Energy Management System And Method, Including Auto-Provisioning Capability Using Near Field Communication

ABSTRACT

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a provisioning system for a network includes a first device associated with a site. The first device includes an RFID reader associated therewith. The system also includes a second device including a device identifier associated therewith. The device identifier includes information about the second device to assist in joining it to the network. The RFID reader is configured to read the device identifier on the second device to obtain information about the second device. Based on the information about the second device it can then be joined to the network by the first device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/460,220 entitled Energy Management System, filed on Apr. 30,2012, which is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.13/329,862 entitled “Proximity Control Using WIFI Connection”, filed onDec. 19, 2011, which is a continuation of co-pending U.S. Pat. No.8,099,195 entitled an “Energy Management System and Method”, filed onSep. 29, 2010, and a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,082,065 entitled “ACommunication Interface for Wireless Energy Networks”, filed on Nov. 18,2010, and a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,073 entitled an “EnergyManagement System and Method”, filed on Nov. 17, 2010, and acontinuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,108,076 entitled an “Energy ManagementSystem and Method”, filed on Nov. 18, 2010, and a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/075,221 entitled a “Mobile Energy ManagementSystem”, filed on Mar. 30, 2011, and a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.13/089,817 entitled an “Energy Management System and Method”, filed onApr. 19, 2011, and a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/217,632 entitled an “Energy Management System and Method”, filed onAug. 25, 2011, and a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/840,142 entitled an “Energy Management System and Method”, filed onJul. 20, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 12/840,169 entitled an “Energy Management System and Method”, filedon Jul. 20, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 12/840,059 entitled an “Energy Management System and Method”, filedon Jul. 20, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 12/893,230 entitled an “Energy Management System and Method”, filedon Sep. 29, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 13/302,701 entitled an “Auto-Adaptable Energy Management Device”,filed on Nov. 22, 2011, which all claim the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/255,678, entitled a “Proximity Based HomeEnergy Management System and Method”, filed on Oct. 28, 2009, as well asU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/235,798 entitled an“Alternative Energy Asset Management System with Intelligent DataFramework Capabilities”, filed on Aug. 21, 2009. The present applicationclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/529,018, entitled “Customer Engagement Platform and Portal”, whichwas filed Aug. 30, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/606,728, entitled “Voice Controlled Network Devices and Systems”,which was filed Mar. 5, 2012, which disclosures are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference as though set forth fully herein. The presentapplication is also related to Applicant's concurrently filed U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled a “Resource Manager, Systemand Method for Communicating Resource Management Information for SmartEnergy and Media Resources” and filed on Aug. 30, 2012, the disclosureof which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference as though setforth fully herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to home systems, and more particularlyto an energy management system and method.

BACKGROUND

Current energy management systems take a passive role to residentialenergy management. For example, consumers lack energy awareness and aretypically left with having to evaluate a monthly bill to determine howmuch energy was consumed. Additionally, consumers lack transparency intowhat the leading causes of energy consumption are at their residences.Some utility companies are providing energy display only technologiesthat will allow consumers to see what the current price of energy maybe. However, such displays take a passive role to conservation, andleaving it up to the consumer to manually curtail their use.

In certain regions, information infrastructure is lacking to enableutility companies and customers to access real-time energy consumption.For example, some regions have smart meters that are capable measuringand reporting consumption data. However, there is a lack ofcommunication and analytical infrastructure to allow utility companiesto analyze future demand and schedule energy production. For example,some utilities are providing demand response systems that react to loadlevels, and force curtailment on residential, industrial, and commercialcustomers. Such programs have not been well received as they typicallyinconvenience the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn toscale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporatingteachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respectto the drawings presented herein, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management system andenergy transmission system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a energy management system operable to manage energyat a site according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of managing energy at asite according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a controller according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 5A illustrates a block diagram of a mobile device operable to beused with an energy management system according to another aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of an energy management userinterface according to another aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management systemaccording to another aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an energy management user interface according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an energy management system interface operable toreport energy usage and savings information according to a furtheraspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an energy management system interface operable toaccess and edit user and site information according to a further aspectof the disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an energy management scheduling user interfaceoperable to schedule energy use at a residential site according to afurther aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates an wireless thermostat user interface operableaccording to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a wireless thermostat accordingto a further aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an energy network bridgeaccording to a further aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a demand response systemaccording to a further aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of a aggregate demand schedulesystem according to a further aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of managing energy use ata residence according to a further aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of an auto-provisioning systemaccording to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of an auto-provisioning systemaccording to another aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of an auto-provisioning systemaccording to still another aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of an auto-provisioning systemaccording to yet another aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of an auto-provisioning systemaccording to a further aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 22 illustrates a block diagram of an auto-provisioning systemaccording to a still further aspect of the disclosure.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following description in combination with the Figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachingsand should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainlybe utilized in this application. The teachings can also be utilized inother applications and with several different types of architecturessuch as distributed computing architectures, client/serverarchitectures, or middleware server architectures and associatedcomponents.

Devices or programs that are in communication with one another need notbe in continuous communication with each other unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In addition, devices or programs that are incommunication with one another may communicate directly or indirectlythrough one or more intermediaries.

Embodiments discussed below describe, in part, distributed computingsolutions that manage all or part of a communicative interaction betweennetwork elements. In this context, a communicative interaction may beintending to send information, sending information, requestinginformation, receiving information, receiving a request for information,or any combination thereof. As such, a communicative interaction couldbe unidirectional, bidirectional, multi-directional, or any combinationthereof. In some circumstances, a communicative interaction could berelatively complex and involve two or more network elements. Forexample, a communicative interaction may be “a conversation” or seriesof related communications between a client and a server—each networkelement sending and receiving information to and from the other. Thecommunicative interaction between the network elements is notnecessarily limited to only one specific form. A network element may bea node, a piece of hardware, software, firmware, middleware, anothercomponent of a computing system, or any combination thereof.

For purposes of this disclosure, an energy management system, networkdevice, or any combination thereof can include any instrumentality oraggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process,transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display,manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form ofinformation, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control,entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an energy managementsystem, network device, or any combination thereof can include anycombination of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device,a media device, a smart phone, a cellular or mobile phone, a smartutility meter, an advanced metering infrastructure, a smart energydevice, an energy display device, a home automation controller, anenergy hub, a smart energy gateway, a set-top box, a digital mediasubscriber system, a cable modem, a fiber optic enabled communicationsdevice, a media gateway, a home media management system, a networkserver or storage device, an energy substation, a vehicle chargingstation, a renewable energy production device, a renewable energycontrol device, an energy storage management system, a smart appliance,an HVAC system, a water pump, a heat pump, a hot water heater, athermostat, an energy controller, an irrigation system, a lightingsystem, an alarm system, a smart power outlet, an energy detectiondevice, a power measurement device, a power measurement unit (PMU), anair handler, a wireless air damper, a humidity control system, a heatand motion sensing device, a smart power outlet, a switch router,wireless router, or other network communication device, or any othersuitable device or system, and can vary in size, shape, performance,functionality, and price.

According to an aspect, an energy management system can include memory,one or more processing resources or controllers such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additionalcomponents of the energy management system can include one or morestorage devices, one or more wireless, wired or any combination thereofof communications ports to communicate with external devices as well asvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse,pointers, controllers, and display devices. The energy management systemcan also include one or more buses operable to transmit communicationsbetween the various hardware components, and can communicate usingwireline communication data buses, wireless network communication, orany combination thereof.

As used herein, a wireless energy network can include various types andvariants of wireless communication configurable to manage energy at asite, including associated protocols or enhancements thereto including,but not limited to, any combination or portion of, IEEE 802.15-basedwireless communication, Zigbee communication, INSETEON communication,X10 communication protocol, Z-Wave communication, Bluetoothcommunication, WIFI communication, IEEE 802.11-based communication,WiMAX communication, IEEE 802.16-based communication, variousproprietary wireless communications, or any combination thereof.

As described herein, a flow charted technique, method, or algorithm maybe described in a series of sequential actions. Unless expressly statedto the contrary, the sequence of the actions and the party performingthe actions may be freely changed without departing from the scope ofthe teachings. Actions may be added, deleted, or altered in severalways. Similarly, the actions may be re-ordered or looped. Further,although processes, methods, algorithms or the like may be described ina sequential order, such processes, methods, algorithms, or anycombination thereof may be operable to be performed in alternativeorders. Further, some actions within a process, method, or algorithm maybe performed simultaneously during at least a point in time (e.g.,actions performed in parallel), can also be performed in whole, in part,or any combination thereof.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, system, or apparatus that comprises a list of featuresis not necessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, system, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to thecontrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. Forexample, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: Ais true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meantotherwise. For example, when a single device is described herein, morethan one device may be used in place of a single device. Similarly,where more than one device is described herein, a single device may besubstituted for that one device.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, suitablemethods and materials are described below. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety, unless a particular passageis cited. In case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specificmaterials, processing acts, and circuits are conventional and may befound in textbooks and other sources within the computing, electronics,and software arts.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an energy managementsystem is disclosed. The energy management system can include a databaseconfigured to store site report data received from a plurality ofresidential sites using a wireless home energy network at each site.According to an aspect, each residential site can include a thermostataccessible to the wireless home energy network. The energy managementsystem can also include a processor operably coupled to the database andconfigured to access the site report data, detect a current temperatureset-point of the thermostat at a first residential site, and detect afirst seasonal profile of the thermostat. The processor can also detecta current operating mode of a HVAC system operably coupled to thethermostat, and determine a thermostat schedule of the thermostat usingthe first seasonal profile and the current operating mode of the HVACsystem.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management system,illustrated generally at 100, according to an aspect of the disclosure.Energy management system 100 can include an energy source 102 configuredto generate energy that can be coupled to an energy transmission system104 to satisfy a load or demand at a first site 106, second site 108,third site 110, or any combination thereof. Energy transmission system104 can be configured to be coupled to one or more of first site 106,second site 108, third site 110, or any combination thereof.

According to an aspect, first site 106 can include a distributed energygeneration (DEG) asset 112. DEG asset 112 can include various types ofenergy producing assets such as a natural gas generator, fuel cellgenerator, solar array, solar concentrator, wind turbine generator,battery array, electric vehicle, hyrdo-power generator, any type ofgenerator, or any combination thereof capable of outputting energy toenergy transmission system 104.

According to a further aspect, second site 108 can include a virtualcapacity generation (VCG) asset 114. VCG 114 can include an energyconsumption device configured to reduce energy consumption or loadplaced on energy transmission system 104 during various periods. Forexample, VCG asset 108 can include equipment located a commercialfacility, industrial facility and the like. According to another aspect,second site 102 can include a retail center having energy consumingdevices that can be managed to reduce energy consumption. In otherforms, second site 108 can include a residential site having VCG assetsthat include energy consuming devices such as an HVAC system, heat pump,hot water heater, lighting systems, entertainments systems,refrigerators, or any type of electricity consuming device or system, orany combination thereof. According to a further aspect, third site 110can include a combination of a assets such as DEG asset 116 and a VCGasset 118.

According to another aspect, first site 106 can be coupled to server 120using an Internet or broadband connection 122. Second site 108 can becoupled to server 120 using a second Internet or broadband connection124. Third site 110 can be coupled to server 120 using a third Internetor broadband connection 126. Various other types of connections can alsobe deployed by energy management system 100 as needed or desired.

According to another aspect, portions or combinations of energytransmission system 104 can be used within one or more markets such asERCOT, Southwest Power Pool (SPP), California Independent systemoperator (CAISO), Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC), othergrids or markets, future national or regional grids, operators,councils, or any combination or portions thereof can be accessed usingenergy management system 100.

According to a further aspect, energy management system 100 can utilizeenergy management information (EMI) to manage energy production,consumption, curtailment, load shedding, purchase decisions, demandresponse decisions, or any combination thereof. For example, EMI caninclude any combination of data sources such as real-time congestiondata, energy transmission line operating conditions, syncrophasor data,firm owned alternative energy generator operating status, non-firm ownedalternative energy generator operating status, locational marginalpricing data, congestion revenue rights data, energy storage capacity,stored energy output capacity, real time energy pricing data, historicalenergy pricing data, real time nodal demand data, historical nodaldemand data, real time zonal demand data, historical zonal demand data,external market demand data, historical external market demand data,nodal price data, real time energy price data, real time energy demanddata, historical energy demand data, historical energy price data, firmowned alternative energy generator data, non-firm owned alternativeenergy generator data, est. firm owned alternative energy generatoroutput schedule, estimated non-firm owned alternative energy generatoroutput schedule, macro environmental data, micro environmental data,real-time grid congestion data, historical grid congestion data,renewable energy credit information, carbon credit cap and trade pricinginformation, fixed and variable costs for operating alternative energygenerators, production tax credit (PTC) pricing information, investmenttax credit (ITC) information, federal grant information, credit-to-grantcomparison analysis data, PTC to ITC analysis data, interest/financedata for alternative energy generators, asset depreciation schedules,available solar and wind output capacity, distributed energy productionscheduling data, feed-in tariff data, baseline energy generator data,load utilization data, transmission efficiency data, congestion rightrevenue data, priority dispatch data, federal renewable portfoliostandard (RPS) data, state renewable portfolio standard (RPS) data,net-metering data, current or forecasted % coal production data, currentor forecasted % natural gas production data, current or forecasted %green house gas production data, current or future coal pricing data,current or future natural gas pricing data, current or future oilpricing data, current or future energy transmission pricing data,forecasted transmission price setting events, virtual capacity data,historical site performance data, seasonal weather and performance data,aggregate scheduling demand data, collaborative demand response data,historical device consumption data, forecasted device consumption data,or any combination thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates an energy management system, illustrated generally at200 and configured to be used at a site 202 according to an aspect ofthe disclosure. Site 202 can include a residential site, and industrialsite, a manufacturing site, a commercial site, or any combinationthereof. According to an aspect, energy management system 200 caninclude a server 204 located at a remote location that can becommunicatively coupled to a network 206. According to a further aspect,site 202 can include a controller 216 capable of connecting to awireless thermostat (TSTAT) 208, an associated mobile device 210, one ormore smart appliances 212, a distributed energy generating asset 214, orany combination thereof. In a form, controller 216 can establish awireless energy network 242 using a wireless communication describedherein. Various combinations of networks and variants thereof can alsobe deployed by controller 216 to establish wireless energy network 242.

According to a further aspect, mobile device 210 can communicate withcontroller 216 using a WIFI or 802.11 based communication, Bluetoothcommunication, Zigbee communication, or various other wirelesscommunication, or any combination thereof. According to a furtheraspect, mobile device 210 an communicate with an information network 240using a subscriber based wireless data communication network such as a3G network, 4G network, EDGE network, a cellular network, WiMAX, otherwireless data communication, or any combination thereof. According to afurther aspect, site 202 can include a gateway 218 configured as abroadband gateway such as a DSL gateway, cable system gateway, fiberoptic gateway, or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can include anadvanced metering infrastructure (AMI) gateway 242 configured tocommunicate with a smart metering device 250. Smart metering device 250can include a utility or power company owned metering device and can beconfigured to communicate using a wireless network such as a cellularnetwork, a mesh network, WiMAX network, or any combination thereof.According to an aspect, controller 216 can communicate with AMI gateway242 using an AMI network 248 communicated by AMI gateway 242.

According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can includeserver 204 configurable to include various energy management logic,modules, interfaces, database sources, or various combinations thereofto manage energy use at site 200. Server 204 can also include aprocessor 222 that can be configured as multiple processors having oneor more processing cores as needed or desired, one or more databases 224that can be internal or external to server 204, and memory 226configurable to store data. According to an aspect, server 204 can belocated in a single location however multiple locations, and serverconfigurations including cloud computing, distributed computing,dedicated computing, or any combination thereof can be deployed.According to an aspect, controller 216 can include portions or all ofserver 204 and can deploy some or all of the capabilities of server 204.

According to another aspect, server 204 can include a site interface 220operable to be coupled to network 206 and gateway 218 to communicatedata between site 202 and server 204. Server 204 can also include amobile client interface 226 that can be coupled to a wirelesstelecommunications communication gateway such as a WAP gateway and thelike. According to an aspect, mobile client interface 226 cancommunicate with one or more mobile devices 210, using informationnetwork 240 or another data network provided by a wirelesstelecommunications provider. Mobile client interface 226, mobile device210, an information network 240, or various combinations thereof caninclude secure connection capabilities such as SSL connections or othercarrier supported secure connection capabilities. Server 204 can alsoinclude an energy price monitor 228, a demand response module 230, anefficiency rating module 232, a proximity detection module 234, ascheduling module 236, an energy savings module 238, a messaging module240, or any combination thereof.

According to an aspect, energy price monitor 228 can be deployed byprocessor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remotedata source to monitor energy pricing of site 202.

According to an aspect, demand response module 230 can be deployed byprocessor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remotedata source to manage demand response preferences and capabilities ofsite 202.

According to an aspect, efficiency rating module 232 can be deployed byprocessor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remotedata source to determine an efficiency rating, thermal response, virtualcapacity capabilities, performance data, or various other of site 202.

According to an aspect, proximity detection module 234 can be deployedby processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or aremote data source to detect a location of mobile device 210 relative tosite 202, and modify operating conditions of site 202 based on aproximity of mobile device 210 to site 202.

According to an aspect, scheduling module 236 can be deployed byprocessor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remotedata source to schedule energy use or operations of one or more energyconsuming devices at site 202.

According to an aspect, energy savings module 238 can be deployed byprocessor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remotedata source to determine a past or forecasted energy savings of site202. In a form, server 204 can include user account login information ata utility company or energy provider that can enable a user to gainaccess to meter data. As such, energy savings module 238 can pull EMIdata stored at a third party website, and output past or forecastedenergy savings of site 202.

According to an aspect, messaging module 240 can be deployed byprocessor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remotedata source to communicate messages. For example, messaging module 240can use an email address, mobile device identifier, SMS gateway data,network device identifier data, IP address of controller 216, IP addressof gateway 218, IP address of AMI gateway 242, or any combinationthereof to communicate messages or other energy management information.

According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 andcontroller 216 can access consumption data at site 202 using AMI gateway242. For example, controller 216 can include a wireless communicationmodule (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) such as a Zigbeecommunication module (e.g. 802.15.4), WIFI module, Bluetooth module orvarious other wireless modules, or any combination thereof. Controller216 can include one or more profiles stored within a memory device (notexpressly illustrated in FIG. 2) configured to include data that willenable controller 216 to join AMI gateway 242. For example, a profilecan include various attributes to initiate or establish communicationusing one or more security levels as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can be usedwith an energy management application accessible or deployed by mobiledevice 210 or other computing device. For example, the energy managementapplication can be used to control TSTAT 208, one or more smartappliances 212 or various other devices at site 202. A user can accessthe energy management application using mobile device 210 or othercomputing device and read the current settings, operating conditions, orvarious other types of energy management information associated withsite 202. For example, a user can view if TSTAT 208 and an associatedHVAC system (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) is on or off, a modesuch as heat, A/C, or fan, or any combination thereof. In other forms,the user can use the energy management application to access multiplethermostats or zones at site 202. Although the energy managementapplication has been described in the context of accessing TSTAT 208, itshould be understood that other network devices, smart appliances,lighting systems, or any other energy consuming or network accessibledevice or any combination thereof can be accessed using the energymanagement application.

According to a further aspect, mobile device 210 can include a mobiledevice application that can upload location data to server 204,controller 216, TSTAT 210, smart appliances 212, various other devicescapable of receiving location data, or any combination thereof. Forexample, in a particular form mobile device 210 can report a currentlocation using a location application program interface (API) of mobiledevice 210, and can upload location data to server 204 using mobileclient interface 226. Server 204 can then deploy proximity detectionmodule 234 to determine whether one or more operating conditions shouldbe altered at site 202. For example, proximity detection module 234 caninclude rules based logic to determine if an operating condition of aresource at site 202 should be altered. For example, if a user isgreater than two miles away from site 202, and is moving away from site202, server 204 can generate a control action report to be communicatedto site 202. For example, a control action report can include adjustingTSTAT 208 up a specific number of degrees relative based on the distanceand direction a user may be from site 202.

According to a particular aspect, a user may have previously establishedan upper setting limit a user would like an internal temperature toreach at site 202 without having an associated HVAC unit turning on. Theupper setting limit can be sent to TSTAT 208 based on how far a user maybe from site 202. A lower limit can be established for a heating unit aswell. These limits can be entered using mobile device 210, a web-baseduser interface, or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect, server 204 can characterize site 202 todetermine operating characteristics and performance data of site 202 andassociated energy consuming devices at site 202. For example, server 204can use efficiency rating module 232 to monitor performance data at site202. Performance data can include measured performance data detected bycontroller 216, performance specifications of an energy consuming devicethat can be based on a model number or other identification data of thedevice, the size or square footage of site 202, efficiency improvementsor specifications of site 202, various other EMI data, or anycombination thereof. As performance of an energy consuming device may bedetected, an energy alert can be sent using messaging module 240. Inanother form, an energy alert can be sent to a third party to initiate aservice call at site 202. For example, one or more third parties maysubscribe to a service to buy leads based on an energy consuming devicesperformance eroding. Server 204 can include a lead generation module(not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) that can be communicated usingmessaging module 240 to a subscriber such as a service company,appliance provider, and the like.

In another form, performance data can be used to determine when toadjust an operating condition of an energy consuming device based on aschedule, proximal location of the user and mobile device, in responseto a demand response event, in response to a consumer setting of adesired operating condition based on an energy savings mode (e.g. low,med, high), or any combination thereof.

According to a particular aspect, controller 216 can be configured as aplug-device that can be plugged directly to a wall socket or other powerreceptacle and can include various components (not expressly shown inFIG. 2). Controller 216 can also include a network interface or Ethernetport, one or more USB interfaces or mini-USB interfaces, an SDIO slot,additional data or plug interfaces, or any combination thereof.Controller 216 can include an internal or external AC, DC, AC to DCconverter power module, or any combination thereof to power controller216. According to an aspect, controller 216 can be provided as a smallform factor unit to allow for easy installation, use, and discretionaryplacement. For example, controller 216 can include a plug computer basedon Marvell Corporation's Kirkwood® microprocessor, Part Number 6281 andassociated components. In another form, controller 216 can include aplug computer including specifications described in “Sheeva PlugDevelopment Kit Reference Design”, version 1.1, and previous versionswhich are herein incorporated by reference. Other processors havingvarious other speeds and supporting components can also be used.According to an aspect, controller 216 can include various buses thatcan be used to install one or more wireless modules. For example,controller 216 can include a UART bus interface that can be used tointerface a Zigbee module, WIFI module, Bluetooth Module, various othermodules or combinations thereof. Various other buses can also be usedincluding but not limited to a USB bus, a SPI bus, an SDIO bus, amini-USB bus, or any combination thereof. Controller 216 can includebuses that can be located internal or external to a housing ofcontroller 216.

According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can include one ormore network devices, such as TSTAT 208, smart appliances 212, orvarious other network devices installed at a residential site such as ahome or residence. Controller 216 can establish a wireless energynetwork 242 capable of communicating with a network device at site 202.Energy management system 200 can also include server 204 disposedremotely from site 202 and capable of generating a control action reportto control the network device. Controller 216 can also be located atsite 202 including a residential site. Controller 202 can be incommunication with server 204. According to an aspect, controller 202can establish initiate a plurality of operating status requests of thenetwork device, and receive device data in response to at least one ofthe operating status requests. Controller 202 can further generate asite report including the device data, and initiate a communication ofthe site report to server 204. During the communication of the sitereport from controller 202 to server 204, controller 202 can detect anavailability of a control action report at server 202 in conjunctionwith the communication of the site report. As such, a secure connectioncan be initiated from site 202 to communicate site reports and receivecontrol action reports without having to have server 204 initiate acommunication with site 202.

According to another aspect, server 202 can generate control actionreport prior to a site report upload, in association with a site reportupload, or any combinations thereof. For example, one or more controlaction reports can be generated and queued in advance of a site reportupload. In other forms, a control action report can be generated duringa site report upload. In yet another form, a control action report canbe generated in response to information uploaded within the site report.As such, various combinations of control action report generationtechniques can be deployed as needed or desired.

According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can be used togenerate a control action report in response to a distance mobile client210 may be from site 202. For example, site 202 can include a networkdevice, such as TSTAT 208, joined to wireless energy network 242.According to an aspect, controller 216 can be configured to establishwireless energy network 242 using a wireless mesh network and initiate aplurality of operating status requests. For example, controller 216 canaccess TSTAT 208 using wireless energy network 242 at a first operatingstatus request interval. Controller 216 can be used to generate a sitereport that can include device data of TSTAT 208 at a site reportinterval. According to an aspect, a site report interval can be the sameinterval as the first operating status request interval. In other forms,each interval can be different. For example, the first operating statusreport request interval can be set to thirty seconds and the site reportinterval can be set to sixty seconds. As such, two cycles of data can beacquired. Various combinations of intervals can be used as desired.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 can initiate acommunication of site report to a remote server such as server 204 usinggateway 218. For example, gateway 218 can include a residentialbroadband connection 206 capable of establishing a secure gatewayconnection between site 202 and server 204 using a public communicationnetwork. According to an aspect, residential broadband connection 206does not include a cellular communications based network.

In another form, control data can be provided in response to a detectionof a travel direction and a distance between mobile device 210 havinglocation reporting device, and site 202. For example, as a user ofmobile device 210 is moving away from site 202, server 204 can detect adirection and distance mobile device 210 may be from residential site202. Server 204 can then determine if a control action should begenerated. For example, as mobile device 210 moves away from residentialsite 202, TSTAT 208 setting can be adjusted up during a warm or summerseason (or down during a cold or winter season) to reduce energyconsumption. Other network devices can also be adjusted as needed ordesired.

According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can useenergy pricing monitor 228 to generate a control action report. Forexample, energy pricing monitor 228 can be configured to detect energypricing within an energy market, and initiate curtailing use of anetwork device, such as TSTAT 208, smart appliance 212, other networkdevices at site 202, or any combination thereof. For example, energypricing monitor 228 can output a control action report in response to anunfavorable pricing condition, and further upon the detection of atravel direction and a distance between mobile device 210 and site 202.In another form, energy pricing monitor 228 can also initiate use of oneor more network devices at site 202 in response to a favorable pricingcondition, and a detection of a travel direction and a distance betweenmobile device 210 and residential site 202. In this manner, a user'stravel direction, distance, and current energy pricing within a marketcan be used to determine how energy consumption can occur at site 202.

According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can also usedemand response module 230 to detect a demand response condition andrespond accordingly. For example, demand response module 230 can be usedto detect a grid condition favorable to a demand response event anddetect a profile preference setting of an user or site manager of site202. For example, a user or site manager can set a profile to alwaysparticipate, not participate, or have a request sent to collaborate onwhether to participate. Other profile settings can also be used such asdetermining an economic or monetary value to a user or site manager ifparticipating in a demand response event. For example, a favorable gridcondition can include an increase in the price of energy due to anundersupply of energy within an energy transmission system or market(not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2). In another form, a favorablecondition can include an oversupply of energy purchased by an energyprovider of site 202. Additionally, a high demand period can be detectedand the oversupply of energy can be increased using a demand responseevent. In another form, a favorable grid condition can include a timeinterval when transmission pricing to use an energy transmission systemmay be determined. As such, an energy provider would receive an economicbenefit from reducing load when the transmission rate or rate for usingtransmission lines would be determined. Various combinations offavorable grid conditions can be detected as needed or desired inassociation with determining a demand response event to curtail energyuse at site 202.

According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can use demandresponse module 230 configured to detect an energy capacity of site 202having a residence. For example, demand response module 230 can detect agrid condition favorable to a demand response event, and can also detecta preference of an resident or owner of the residence to participate indemand response events. Demand response module 230 can also determine anenergy capacity of site 202 using historical device consumption datareceived in a site report, and forecasted device consumption data.Control data can then be generated to alter an operating condition ofthe network device in response to the grid condition and the preferenceof the owner and the energy capacity of site 202.

According to a further aspect, server 204 can determine an energycapacity of site 202 using device data received in association with sitereports received from site 202. For example, site report data can beused with efficiency rating module 232 to determine a virtual generationcapacity or energy reduction capacity of site 202. Upon detecting anavailable capacity, demand response module 230 can output a curtailmentaction to be used within a control action report to be communicated tosite 202. For example, a curtailment action can include an updatedcontrol data to alter a current operating condition of one or morenetwork devices connected to wireless energy network 242 at site 202.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be configured todetect a new set-point value within a control action report, andidentify TSTAT 208 to be adjusted to the new set-point value. In someforms, multiple wireless thermostats can be accessed via wireless energynetwork 242 and adjusted as desired. Controller 216 can communicate adifferent set-point values to each of the wireless thermostats.Controller 216 can initiate an outputting of new set-point values toTSTAT 208 and others using wireless energy network 242.

According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can use proximitydetection module 234 to detect a distance mobile device 210 may be fromsite 202 including a residential site. For example, proximity detectionmodule 234 can access location data stored within database 224 andprovided by mobile device 210 using mobile client interface 226.Proximity detection module 234 can further detect mobile device 210within a first zone (e.g. less than one (1) mile from the site, lessthan three (3) miles from site, greater than five (5) miles from site,etc.). Proximity detection module can further detect a currentthermostat setting of TSTAT 208, and an indoor temperature detected atsite 202 and communicated within a site data report communicated fromsite 202. Proximity detection module 234 can then determine a percentageadjustment to adjust a current setting of TSTAT 208, and output thepercentage adjustment as a new set-point value to be used within acontrol action report. For example, if mobile device 210 can be detectas being greater than three (3) miles from site 202, TSTAT 208 can beadjusted to within 75% of the maximum setting in a summer season, orminimum setting in a winter season. As such, a site 202 can be managedbased on a user's proximity to a site, which zone a user may be locatedin, and current seasonal schedule or setting being used at a site 202.

According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can includeTSTAT 208 configured as a wireless thermostat capable of joiningwireless energy network 242 operable as a wireless home energy network.According to an aspect, TSTAT 208 can be configured to not include anenabled local programming schedule configured to control an HVAC systemof site 202. For example, TSTAT 208 can include sufficient memory tostore a set-point value, but may be not include scheduling capabilitiesat TSTAT 208. As such, a simplified user interface of TSTAT 208 can bedeployed. For example, if TSTAT 208 includes a scheduling feature,energy management system 200 can be used to disable the schedulingfeature located at TSTAT 208. As such, TSTAT 208 can be considered anon-programmable thermostat capable of connecting to wireless energynetwork 242, and set-point values or other control actions can bereceived using wireless energy network 242. In this manner, schedulinguse of TSTAT 208 can be provided using on-line or web application basedscheduling tool.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be further configuredto initiate joining TSTAT 208 to wireless energy network 242 using aunique identifier of TSTAT 208. A unique identifier of TSTAT 208 can bereceived from server 204 and a local schedule and or schedulingcapabilities of TSTAT 208 can be disabled. In this manner, an overalldesign complexity of a thermostat can be reduced and schedulingcapabilities can be provided using a schedule created within a networkenvironment and output by controller 216, server 204, mobile device 210,or any combination of sources capable of providing schedule informationor control action data to TSTAT 208.

According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can also usescheduling module 236 to schedule use of a network device located atsite 202 and capable of connecting to wireless energy network 242.Additionally, multiple user schedules can be stored within database 224and used by site 202. For example, scheduling module 236 can be used todetect a first user schedule accessible to controller 216. The firstuser schedule can include a first schedule event configured to alter anoperating condition of a network device such as TSTAT 208, smartappliance 212, or other energy consuming network devices. According toan aspect, the first user schedule can be operably linked to mobiledevice 210 having a location detection device. The first user schedulecan be used or not used based on a distance mobile device 210 may befrom residence 202. In this manner, as user returns to residential site202, a user schedule can be activated and used.

According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can include asecond user schedule accessible to controller 216. For example, a seconduser schedule can include scheduling data to schedule a second scheduleevent configured to alter an operating condition of a network device atsite 202. The second user schedule can be operably linked to a secondmobile device having a location reporting device (not expresslyillustrated in FIG. 2). For example, the second user schedule can beused or not used based on a distance a second mobile device may be fromsite 202. In another form, mobile device 210 may not be located at site202, but a second mobile device may located be at site 202. In thisform, a second user schedule may be based on detecting the second mobiledevice located at site 202. According to an aspect, the second userschedule can be disabled when the second user leaves the site 202 and aproximity mode can be enabled. According to a further aspect, a seconduser schedule may not be operably linked to any mobile device. As such,controller 216 can use a second user's schedule to schedule events inresponse to a detection of mobile device 210 being a distance away fromresidential site 202. In this manner, multiple user schedules andproximity control of energy use can be deployed at a common site.

According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can also includecontroller 242 capable of detecting advanced metering infrastructure(AMI) wireless network 248 output by smart metering device 250. Forexample, smart metering device 250 can include, or can be coupled to,AMI/Gateway 242 capable of outputting AMI wireless network 248. In otherforms, smart metering device 250 can be configured to output AMIwireless network 248 directly.

According to another aspect, controller 216 can be configured with acommunication interface (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) to enablejoining AMI wireless network 248. In this manner, controller 216 cangain access to AMI wireless network 248 to receive AMI data. In afurther aspect, controller 216 can use the AMI data to alter anoperating condition of a network device at site 202, output AMI datausing a display of a network device, communicate AMI data to server 204,or any combination thereof. According to a further aspect, controller216 can communicate the AMI data with site report data as a site reportto server 204. As such, AMI data and site report data can be used atserver 204.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 can connect to AMIwireless network 248 at a first security level, and alter an operatingcondition of a network device connected to wireless energy network 242at a second security level. According to an aspect, wireless energynetwork 242 can be deployed at the same security level as AMI wirelessnetwork 248, can be deployed at a different security level than AMIwireless network 248, or any combination thereof.

According to a further aspect, a user or site profile can be used toenable use of control actions initiated or received by AMI wirelessnetwork 248. For example, a site manager or user can establish a profilesetting to enable or disable a utility company to alter an operatingcondition of a network device at a residence. As such, controller 216can access a profile setting prior to connecting to AMI wireless network248, enabling use of a control action received using the AMI wirelessnetwork 248, or any combination thereof. In other forms, controller 216can access server 204 to detect profile settings.

According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can alsoinclude controller 216 configured to communicate using a Zigbee networkand a WIFI network. For example, controller 216 can include a ZigBeeenabled communication device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2)capable of initiating wireless energy network 242 at site 202 thatincludes a residential site. Controller 242 can also include a WIFIenabled communication device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2)capable of initiating WIFI network 244 operable to be coupled to mobiledevice 210 that may be WIFI enabled, or other WIFI enabled devices,systems, or any combination thereof.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 using WIFI network 244 canbe used to alter an operating condition at site 202 in response todetecting mobile device establishing or losing a WIFI connection to WIFInetwork 244. For example, a user schedule can be enabled when a WIFIconnection of mobile device 210 can be detected, and an operatingcondition of one or more network devices connected to wireless energynetwork 242. As mobile device 210 leaves site 202, an operatingcondition of one or more network devices can be altered upon a detectionof a WIFI connection of mobile device 210 to WIFI network 244 beinglost.

According to an aspect, mobile device 210 can communicate withcontroller 216 to access site data, site reports, control action data,AMI data, or various other types of EMI data available using WIFInetwork 244. According to an aspect, mobile device 210 can initiatecontrol actions, control action reports, or combinations thereof thatcan alter an operating condition of a network device coupled to wirelessenergy network 242. According to a further aspect,

According to another aspect, controller 216 configured with a WIFIcommunication device can enable a connection to a home computer system,laptop computer, Netbook, home server, IPAD®, home automation system,router, or other WIFI enabled system or devices (not expresslyillustrated in FIG. 2), or any combination thereof. For example, a usercan use an IPAD to access controller 216. Using WIFI network 244 andwireless energy network 242, a user can receive operating statusinformation, initiate control actions of network devices, scheduleenergy use, or various other energy management activities. In someforms, controller 216 may not have access to network 206. Controller 216can include portions or all of the capabilities of server 204 toschedule energy use, generate scheduling data, access site data,generate control action data, or any combination thereof. As such, insome instances network 206 may not be established (e.g. in a newconstruction site, etc.), or if a network failure or an absence ofnetwork availability occurs, a user can access network devices at site202 and manage energy use.

According to another aspect, controller 216 can detect when mobiledevice 210 connects to WIFI network 244 and alter an operating conditionof a network device coupled to wireless energy network 242. For example,as mobile device 210 moves or transitions away from site 202, controller216 can detect a signal loss and alter an operating condition at site202. According to an aspect, controller 216 can include control actiondata to be used upon detecting a signal loss. In other forms, controller216 can report the signal loss to server 204 within, or external to asite report. Server 204 can then determine a control action (if any) inresponse to a reporting of the WIFI signal being lost.

According to a further aspect, server 204 can initiate a text messageusing messaging module 240 to be sent to mobile device 210. User ofmobile device 210 can then view the text message and respond to alter anoperating condition at site 202. For example, a user can place site 202in proximity mode which will enable an energy efficiency scheduleassociated with the user. In other forms, a user can access an energymanagement application accessible to mobile device 210 and alter anoperating condition at site 202. Various combinations of messagingcommunications (e.g. SMS text, email, social network messaging, socialnetwork postings, etc.), message content, and various combinationsthereof can be used to inform a user of mobile device 210 that anoperating condition can be altered in response to mobile device 210 notbeing connected to a WIFI signal at site 202, a detection of mobiledevice 210 being a distance from site 202 using location detection, orany combination thereof.

According to another aspect, controller 216 can also connect to mobiledevice 210 using WIFI network 244 and communicate information usingmobile device 210 and information network 240. For example, mobiledevice 210 can connect to information network 240 which can be awireless subscriber based information network. Mobile device 210 canreceive energy management information from an information sourceaccessible to information network 240. According to an aspect, mobiledevice 210 can include a mobile energy management application that canbe used to access server 204 or other information source(s). Mobiledevice 210 can be used to upload information such as a site report,network device data, operating statuses, or various other types ofinformation that can be obtained at site 202 using wireless energynetwork 242. According to a further aspect, mobile device 210 canreceive information such as control action reports, control data,environmental data, scheduling data, user profile data, network deviceprofile data, Zigbee based profile data, WIFI data, configuration data,network device data updates or firmware updates, controller data updatesor firmware updates, or various other types of EMI data or anycombination thereof that can be communicated to mobile device 210 usinginformation network 240. Mobile device 210 can then communicate receivedinformation to controller 216 using WIFI network 244. Controller 216 canuse the received information to manage energy use at site 202.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be configured torequest profile data, profile updates, network device updates, or anycombination thereof of a network device using WIFI network 244, wirelessAMI network 248, network 206, or any combination thereof. For example,controller 216 can detect a Zigbee enabled network device at site 202.Controller 216 can identify unique identifier of the Zigbee enablednetwork device, and request a profile of the Zigbee enabled networkusing WIFI network 244. For example, mobile device 210 can request aZigbee profile using information network 240. In another form, a homecomputer, laptop computer, IPAD® etc. can request the Zigbee profileusing network 206. In another form, controller 216 can access wirelessAMI network 248 to request a Zigbee profile. As such, controller 216 canbe configured to request profile data, profile updates, network deviceupdates, various other types of information to manage network device, orany combination thereof of a network device using one or more networksaccessible to controller 216.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be incorporated into anetwork device. For example, controller 216 and TSTAT 208 can becombined into the same unit. Controller 216 can also include an 802.15.4based wireless communication device (not expressly shown in FIG. 2)operable to establish wireless energy network 242. Controller 216 canalso include an 802.11 based wireless communication device (notexpressly shown in FIG. 2) operable to communicate with mobile device210. Using the 802.11 based wireless communication device, controller216 can communicate with gateway 218 having a residential broadbandwireless router capable of establishing an 802.11 based wirelesscommunication network at site 202. In this manner, combining controller216 and TSTAT 208 can lead to a reduction in the number of separatedevices deployed at site 202.

According to a further aspect, controller 216 can include a processor(not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) configured to deploy a web servercapable of enabling web services. For example, controller 216 canconnect to WIFI network 244 and a computer system at site 202. Thecomputer system can include a browser configured to access an IP addressof the web server of controller 216 to manage one or more networkdevices coupled to wireless energy network 242. In a particular form,controller 216 can include a scheduling tool configured to be output bythe web server and accessible using WIFI network 244. According to afurther aspect, controller 216 can be coupled to mobile device 210 andcontroller 216 can be configured to enable access to a subscriber basedwireless information network 240 using a connection to the 802.11 basedwireless communication device of controller 216.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of managing energy at a site according to anaspect of the disclosure. Portions or all of the method of FIG. 3 can beused with portions or all of the energy management systems, devices, orapparatuses disclosed herein, or any other type of system, controller,device, module, processor, or any combination thereof, operable toemploy all, or portions of, the method of FIG. 3. Additionally, themethod can be embodied in various types of encoded logic includingsoftware, firmware, hardware, or other forms of digital storage mediums,computer readable mediums, or logic, or any combination thereof,operable to provide all, or portions, of the method of FIG. 3.

The method begins generally at block 300. At decision block 302, themethod detects whether an energy network has been established. Forexample, a wireless energy network can be established and can includeone or more networks that can be used to manage energy use at a site.According to an aspect, a wireless energy network can be establishedusing a wireless enabled controller located at a residence. At decisionblock 302, a detection of an energy network, AMI enabled network, WIFIenabled network, Zigbee enabled network, WiMAX network, or any othertype of energy network, or any combination thereof can be detected. Ifat decision block 302, one or more networks may not be detected, themethod can proceed to decision block 304. At decision block 304, themethod can detect if there is an AMI network available. If at decisionblock 304 there is an AMI network available, the network can proceed toblock 306 and the AMI network can be joined. For example, the AMInetwork can include a specific protocol and security level to establishcommunication or allow a joining of the network. For example, the AMInetwork may require an encryption key-based security that can requirespecific keys, certificates, etc. to enable access. According to anotheraspect, the AMI network may include a smart grid based securitydescribed in Smart Grid standards. As such, various combinations ofjoining the AMI network can be deployed. Upon joining the AMI network,the method can proceed to decision block 308.

In some forms, an AMI network may be available and the method can bemodified to determine whether to join the AMI network. If at decisionblock 304, an AMI network may not be detected (or may not be joined),the method can proceed to decision block 308. At decision block 308, themethod can detect if a WIFI network (e.g. 802.11 based network) may beavailable. If a WIFI network is not detected or is not available, themethod can proceed to block 310 and a WIFI network can be established.For example, a controller, network device, smart appliance, or variousother types of energy consuming devices can include a WIFI communicationdevice capable of initiating a WIFI network. As such, at block 310 aWIFI network can be established and the method can proceed to block 312.If at decision block 308 a WIFI network exists, or if a WIFI networkshould not be established, the method can proceed to block 312. In someforms, an additional WIFI network can be established at block 310 andthe method can be modified to allow a bridging between the two WIFInetworks.

According to an aspect, at block 312 an energy network can beestablished to manage one or more network devices. For example, anenergy network can include a wireless energy network that is based on aSmart Grid standards and protocols such as a Zigbee based protocol.Various other types of communication can also be used to establish anenergy network. An energy network can be established by outputting awireless network at a site to enable a network device to join the energynetwork.

Upon establishing an energy network, the method can proceed to block 314a network device capable of connecting to the energy network can bedetected. For example, a network device can include a Zigbee enabledcommunication device capable of joining a Zigbee enabled energy network.A unique identifier of the network device can be detected and a profilecan be obtained at block 316. In some forms, a unique identifier can bepreviously obtained by a controller deploying the energy network. Forexample, a unique identifier can be obtained from a server accessible toa controller, via a WIFI or other network accessible to a controller, orany combination thereof. In other forms, an external information sourcecan be capable of providing a unique identifier, or a list of uniqueidentifiers to identify a valid network device that can be joined to theenergy network. A controller can then use the unique identifier, and theprofile, to establish or join the network device to the energy network.

In another form, a profile of a network device may not be immediatelyavailable, or may have been revised. As such, a profile can be obtainedusing a WIFI network, an AMI network, an Internet or broadband network,or any combination thereof. For example, a unique identifier, a modelnumber, a serial number, a device class identifier, or any combinationthereof that can be communicated to an external source or informationnetwork to obtain a profile can be used. A profile can then beidentified and used to join the network device to the energy network.

According to a further aspect, obtaining a profile at block 316 caninclude initiating a request using a controller and an informationnetwork accessible to a mobile device capable of communicating with aWIFI network at a site. For example, a profile can be provided byconnecting a mobile device to a wireless information network such as a3G data network, 4G data network, or other subscriber based wirelessinformation network. The mobile device and then communicate the profileto the controller using the WIFI network at the site. The controller canthen receive the profile and use at least a portion of the profilewithin the energy network.

According to an aspect, upon obtaining a profile, the method can proceedto block 318 and the network device can be joined to the energy network.For example, the network device can be joined at a security level thatis different than required by an AMI network, or other secure network.In some forms, the network device can be joined to multiple networks orcombination of networks while joined to the energy network. In otherforms, the network device can be joined to only the energy network. Instill other forms, an AMI network connection can be established toenable an AMI network to access the network device, and the networkdevice can unjoin or disconnect the AMI network and join the energynetwork. In another form, information received from the AMI network canbe used to alter an operating condition of the network device using theenergy network. Various other permutations of joining a network deviceto an energy network or other networks can also be realized as needed ordesired.

According to a further aspect, a network device can join the energynetwork using a standardized profile, such as a Zigbee profile. Inaddition, a network device can be joined using a profile modifier thatcan extend the functionality of the Zigbee profile associated with aspecific network device. For example, a controller establishing theenergy network can access profile modifiers to enhance use of a specificnetwork device.

According to a further aspect, an AMI network can be joined during aperiod of time, and then the energy network can be joined during aseparate time period. As such, various combinations of joining a networkdevice to one or more networks can be used as needed or desired tomanage energy use of a network device. Additionally, the method can bemodified to join additional network devices to one or more networks asneeded or desired. Upon joining one or more network devices, the methodcan proceed to block 320 and then to decision block 322.

At decision block 322, the method can detect whether a proximity modeassociated with a site and energy network is enabled or disabled. Forexample, proximity mode can include associating a mobile device with aresidential site, and automatically controlling a network device basedon detecting a location the mobile device may be from the residentialsite. One or more mobile devices associated with a site can include alocation reporting device capable of outputting a location report. Thelocation reporting device can use various technologies to reportlocation including GPS, GPRS, cell tower triangulation, or various otherlocation reporting technologies. In another form, a location reportingdevice of a mobile device can also include a WIFI radio capable of beingconnected to a WIFI network. As such, a mobile device can be connectedto a WIFI network at the site using a WIFI connection, and as a WIFIconnection is established or lost, a proximity mode can be enabled anddisabled accordingly.

According to an aspect, at block 322 if proximity mode is enabled, themethod can proceed to block 344 as described below. If at decision block322 proximity mode may not be enabled, the method can proceed todecision block 324 to detect if a user schedule is available. Forexample, a user schedule can include an event schedule to control one ormore network devices. According to an aspect, one or more user's cancreate a schedule that can be accessed by a controller, and used tocontrol one or more wireless thermostats or other network devices thatcan be joined to the energy network. According to a further aspect, auser schedule can be linked to a mobile device of the user. In someforms, the mobile device can include a location detection deviceconfigured to report locations of the mobile device.

According to an aspect, if a user schedule may not be detected, themethod can proceed to block 356 and an event can be identified. Forexample, an event can include one or more programmed events that can becreated and accessed at a specific time, date, period, or other to alteran operating condition of a network device. For example, a user may nothave provided a user schedule to schedule energy use of a hot watersystem at a residence. As such, a default schedule can be accessed toidentify an event and schedule or manage use of the hot water heater.For example, an event can include decreasing a hot water heater ten (10)degrees at midnight. Another event can include increasing a hot waterheater fifteen (15) degrees at five (5) A.M. In another form, a networkdevice can include a wireless thermostat that can be used to control anHVAC system based on a time of day or other attribute. For example, aweather forecast can be determined, and an event can be scheduled toadjust a wireless thermostat accessible to the energy network. Variousother environmental conditions, grid conditions, user profiles, deviceprofiles, energy pricing, or any combination of energy managementinformation can be used to schedule or create an event.

Upon identifying an event, the method can proceed to decision block 326and detect whether to schedule the event. For example, if an event isconfigured to be scheduled at a specific time of day, the method candetect the event at decision block 326. If an event may not be detected,the method can proceed to decision block 322 and repeats.

According to an aspect, if at decision block 326 an event should bescheduled, the method can proceed to block 328 and the event can bescheduled. For example, a network device can be identified, an operatingcondition to be altered can be identified, a time of day to alter theoperating condition can be identified, a period of time to alter anoperating condition can be identified, a device profile can be used, orany combination of data that can be used to schedule an event can beused. According to another aspect, the method can include initiating ascheduled event at block 328 using a portion of a programming schedulestored within a memory of the controller associated with the energynetwork. For example, portions of event data can be communicated from aremote server to the controller, and used with a programming schedulestored within the controller to schedule an event. In this manner, oneor more sources can be used alone or in combination to schedule events.

According to a further aspect, upon scheduling the event, the method canproceed to block 330 and a control action can to be communicated to anetwork device. For example, a control action can include control actiondata or device data sufficient to alter an operating condition of anetwork device. In some forms, data formatted according to a standardprofile, such as a Zigbee Home Automation profile, Zigbee EnergyProfile, and the like. In other forms, control action data can include adevice identifier, a message format to output a message, a parameter orfeature of a network device to alter, an updated set-point or operatingcondition of the network device, a network or security key, a date andtime, or any combination thereof.

According to an aspect, the method can proceed to block 332 and thecontrol action can be output to the energy network as an outgoingmessage and received by the network device as an incoming message. Forexample, the network device can detect the outgoing message communicatedwithin the energy network using a unique identifier of the networkdevice.

At block 334, upon the network device receiving the incoming message, acontrol action can be extracted from the incoming message and theoperating condition at the network device can be altered using thecontrol action data. For example, an dishwasher may be turned on, aclothes washer or dryer turned on, lights within a home can altered, athermostat can be adjusted, a hot water hear can be adjusted, or variousother types of control actions can be initiated as needed or desired.

At block 336, network device data can be obtained from the networkdevice using the energy network. For example, a network device canreceive a request to output operating status information as networkdevice data to the energy network. In other forms, the network devicecan be enabled to periodically publish status information to the energynetwork and received by the controller. Upon outputting the networkdevice data, the method can then proceed to block 338 and a site reportcan be generated. For example, a site report can include network devicedata received from one or more network devices accessible to the homeenergy network. Site report data can be stored locally to thecontroller, and processed to confirm an updating of the control action.The site report data can be stored within a site report and communicatedto a remote server configurable to receive and process the site reportdata within a site report. According to an aspect, a site report can becommunicated to a remote server configurable to receive site reportsfrom the controller using a broadband connection initiated by thecontroller. Other forms of communication can also be used to communicatea site report as needed or desired. Upon generating a site report, themethod can proceed to decision block 302.

According to an aspect, if at decision block 322 proximity detection maybe enabled, the method can proceed to block 344 and a location reportcan be received. For example, a location report can include locationdata output from a location reporting device such as a mobile device. Inother forms, a location report can be generated in response to adetection that a mobile device having a WIFI radio may be within range,or out of range, of the WIFI network at the site. As such, the methodcan be used to alter an operating condition of the network device usingthe energy network in response to detecting the location reportingdevice establishing or losing a WIFI connection to the WIFI network.

According to an aspect, the method can proceed to decision block 346 andcan detect if a location change has occurred. If a location change hasnot occurred, the method can proceed to block 348 and detects whether toalter an operating condition. If an operating condition of one or morenetwork devices may not be altered, the method can proceed to block 350,and to block 322.

According to another aspect, if at decision block 346 a location changemay be detected, the method can proceed to block 350 and detects adistance a location reporting device may be from an associated site. Themethod can then proceed to block 352 and detects the direction of themobile device. For example, if the distance has increased from aprevious location reported, the method can detect that a user may bemoving away from a site. In other forms, a detected direction caninclude moving toward a site, moving away from a site, or not moving atall.

Upon detecting a direction, the method can proceed to decision block 348and detects whether to alter an operating condition of a network device.For example, in addition to detecting a distance and direction a usermay be from a residence, various other types of information can also beused to alter an operating condition. For example, data such as realtime velocity data, average velocity data, estimated length of time auser may take to return to a site, thermostat scheduling data, networkdevice scheduling data, site report data, real-time weather conditiondata, traffic condition data, user driving pattern data, daily drivingpattern data, GPS mapping data, home energy efficiency ratings, demandresponse data, curtailment data, energy pricing data, grid conditiondata, various other types of EMI, or any combination thereof.

Upon detecting an operating condition to alter, the method can proceedto block 354 and initiates a control action. For example, a serverremote to a site can be used to generate a control action that can beincluded within a control action report and communicated to thecontroller at the site. In a form, the control action report can becommunicated in association with an upload of a site report. Accordingto another aspect, a control action can be generated by the controller.For example, a location and direction of a mobile device can beidentified and communicated to the controller. The controller can thendetermine whether to generate a control action using the location dataand direction data, and possible other data as needed or desired. Themethod can then proceed to block 328 as generally described above. If atdecision block 348 an operating condition of a network device should notbe altered, the method can proceed to block 350 and to block 322.

According to an aspect, the method can be provided to detect a distancebetween the location reporting device and the site using a previouslystored location of the residence and a new location of the locationreporting device. At decision block 354 altering an operating conditioncan include altering an operating condition of the network device inresponse to detecting the location reporting device is traveling awayfrom the residence. Further, altering an operating condition of thenetwork device in response to detecting the location reporting device istraveling toward the residence.

According to another aspect, the method can be provided to detect alocation reporting device at a first distance at block 350, and atdecision block 348 initiate a control action. As the location reportingdevice may be detected at a second distance, a second control action canbe initiated. For example, a control action can include setting a firsttemperature set-point of a thermostat in response to detecting the firstdistance. The method can further be provided to detect the locationreporting device at a second distance different from the first distance,and set the temperature set-point to a second value.

According to a further aspect, the method can be modified to detect anupper and lower thermostat set-point limits of a network device. Forexample, an upper set-point limit can include a maximum a temperaturethat should be reached within a site during a warm season. A set-pointof a thermostat can then be determined by determining the differencebetween a previous set-point and the maximum set-point. In some forms, apercentage adjustment, such as 30%, 50%, 75%, etc. of the resultingdifference between a maximum set-point and a base set point can be usedto determine a new set-point. For example, if a thermostat is set toseventy (70) degrees and has a maximum set-point of eighty (80) degrees,the delta between the two being ten (10) degrees. A new set-point canthen be generated by multiplying this delta by a percentage, such as50%, and adding it to the current set point. In this example, a newsetting of seventy five (75) degrees would be the resulting set-point.In other forms, the method can use the maximum and minimum set-points,resulting or current set-points, in association with a time of day, adistance or distances a user may be from a site, or various other datathat can be used to determine a set-point using maximum and minimumset-point values.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management apparatus,illustrated generally as controller 400, according to an aspect of thedisclosure. Controller 400 can include a processor 402 and memory 404configurable to store data. Memory 404 can be configured as on-boardmemory of processor 402, or in other forms can also include expandablememory such as DDR memory, Flash Memory, EPROM, ROM, or various otherforms, or any combination thereof generally illustrated as memory 404.

According to an aspect, controller 400 can include buses 406, 408, 410configured to couple data and signals to various components withincontroller 400. Although illustrated as multiple buses 406, 408, 410,controller 400 can include a single bus, multiple buses, or anycombination thereof. Various types of bus configurations can be used asneeded or desired including, but not limited to, any combination orportion of a serial bus, a parallel bus, a serial-parallel bus, auniversal serial bus, industry standard bus, controller area networkbus, a serial peripheral bus, a universal asynchronous receivertransmitter bus, a control bus, standard digital input output bus, orany combination thereof.

According to an aspect, controller 400 can also include a communicationinterface 430, an information network interface 416, an external businterface 420, an application program interface 440, or any combinationthereof configurable to be coupled to one or more of buses 406, 408, 410or any combination thereof. According to an aspect, any combination ofinterfaces 430, 416, 420, 440 can be configured in any combination ofhardware, software, or firmware, and can include any combination orportion of a serial bus interface, a parallel bus interface, aserial—parallel bus interface, a universal serial bus interface,industry standard bus interface, controller area network bus interface,a serial peripheral interface, a universal asynchronous receivertransmitter interface, a control bus interface, standard digital inputoutput interface, or any combination thereof.

According to a further aspect, controller 400 can also include a powersupply 412 capable of providing power to controller 400. Power supply412 can be an internal power supply and in other forms can be providedexternal to controller 400. Controller 400 can also include a broadbanddevice 414 configured to be coupled to a broadband network. For example,broadband device can include an Ethernet communication module, a Cableor coaxial-based communication module, and can include communicationlogic to receive and transmit data between controller 400 and aninformation network such as a LAN, WAN, local network, the Internet, andthe like. Broadband device 414 can include TCP/IP communicationcapabilities and can also be security enabled to transmit SSL databetween controller 400 and an information network.

According to a further aspect, controller 400 can also include aninformation network interface 416, a wireless information network device418, and an external bus interface 420. Controller 400 can also includea Zigbee enabled communication device 422, a WIFI device 424, anAdvanced Metering Infrastructure device 426, a support and updatesmodule 428, and a communication interface 430. Controller 400 can alsoinclude an operating system 450 that can be executed by processor 402.

According to an aspect, controller 400 can be configured to use any typeor combination of wireline or wireless communication to manage energyuse at a site, including, but not limited to, power-line communication,wire line communication, wireless communication, Zigbee basedcommunication, INSETEON based communication, X10 based communication,Z-Wave based communication, WiMAX based communication, Bluetooth basedcommunication, WIFI based communication, 802.11-based communication,802.15-based communication, 802.16-based communication, proprietarycommunication, other communications described herein, or any combinationthereof.

According to a further aspect, controller 400 can include a networkdevice profile module 432, a security module 434, a controller module436, and a proximity detection module 438. Controller 400 can alsoinclude device profiles 442, user profiles 444, home profiles 446, andprofile modifiers 448. One or more of the modules, profiles, or anycombination thereof can be provided as encoded logic such as a ROM,PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or various combinations thereof and accessible toprocessor 402 as needed or desired. In other forms, one or more of themodules, profiles, or any combination thereof can be stored within amemory device such as memory 404, within a removable flash drive (notexpressly illustrated in FIG. 4), an external data storage device (notexpressly illustrated in FIG. 4), or any combination thereof.

According to further aspect, controller 400 can include processor 402operable to manage energy use at a site. Processor 400 can be configuredto convert an incoming message received from a wireless energy network(not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4) into XML enabled output data.Processor 400 can also format an outgoing message to be output to awireless energy network using XML enabled input data. According to anaspect, XML enabled input data includes a network device identifier of anetwork device accessible using a wireless energy network. Controller400 can also include communication interface 430 configurable to enableaccess to communication device, such as Zigbee device 422, WIFI device424, AMI device 426, or any other device accessible to controller 400and having access to a wireless energy network. According to an aspect,communication interface 430 can be configured to detect an outgoingmessage formatted by processor 402 and configure the outgoing message toa message bus format that can be coupled to bus 408 and a communicationdevice such as Zigbee device 422. For example, outgoing message caninclude network device data configured to be output to a wireless energynetwork, but processed into a message bus format prior to outputting toa communication device. Communication interface 430 can then convert theoutgoing message from a message bus format to a format that can beoutput by a specific communication device. For example, if the outgoingmessage was intended to be output using WIFI device 424, communicationinterface can detect that the message was to be sent on a WIFI networkand can convert the outgoing message from a message bus format to a WIFIdevice format. Communication interface 430 can then output the WIFIdevice formatted message to WIFI device 424.

According to a further aspect, communication interface 430 can beconfigured to detect an incoming message received from a wireless energynetwork using a communication device such as Zigbee device 422, WIFIdevice 424, AMI device 426, or any other device accessible to controller400 and having access to a wireless energy network. Incoming message caninclude incoming network device data received from a network device.Communication interface 430 can convert an incoming message from acommunication device format to access an incoming network device datareceived from a network device, and output the incoming network devicedata using a message bus format that can be used by processor 402.

According to another aspect, controller 400 can include a wireless datamodule, such as Zigbee device 422, WIFI device 424, AMI device 426, orany other device accessible to controller 400 and having access to awireless energy network. A wireless data module can be accessible toprocessor 402 and configured to generate profile data to be used with anoutgoing message. For example, processor 402 can access network deviceprofile module 434 and use a network device profile of a network deviceaccessible to the wireless energy network to output a message receivableby a specific network device. Network device data can be formatted usinga network device profile of a specific network type of the wirelessenergy network. In some forms, a network device profile may not includeinformation sufficient to output network device data. As such, profilemodifiers 448 can be provided and can include profile modification dataof the network device not available within the network device profiles442 that can be used to communicate with a network device coupled to anenergy network accessible to controller 400.

For example, device profiles 442 can include a Zigbee thermostat deviceprofile having home automation profile data and smart energy profiledata. Profile modification data 448 can be used to access additionalprofile information to format an outgoing Zigbee message and access aZigbee enabled thermostat coupled to a wireless energy networkaccessible to controller 400. In this manner, additional features andfunctionality that may not exist within Zigbee profile standards can beaccessed by using profile modifier data 448. As such, functionality of aZigbee enabled device can be expanded beyond a standard Zigbee profile.

According to another aspect, controller 400 can include a first userprofile stored within user profiles 444 and accessible to processor 402.For example, a first user profile can include a first time schedule tooperate a network device and a control setting to control the networkdevice. User profiles 444 can also include a first user identifier toidentify a first user and can also be include a network deviceidentifier to identify the network device to control or alter.

According to another aspect, controller 400 can include a second userprofile within user profiles 444 and accessible to processor 402 that isdifferent than the first user profile. A second user profile can includea second time schedule to operate a network device and at least onecontrol setting to control the network device. The second user profilecan also include a second user identifier to identify the second userand a network device identifier to identify the network device.

According to a further aspect, processor 402 can determine when to use afirst user profile or a second user profile. For example, processor 402can access user profiles 444 to detecting the user profiles, andinitiate outputting an outgoing message using the first user schedule orthe second user schedule. Processor 402 can then be used to monitor whento alter the operating condition provided by the first user schedule, toan operating condition of a second user schedule. In this manner,multiple user schedules can be used by controller 400 to control anetwork device.

According to a further aspect, processor 402 can be used to detect aninput to a network device as a user schedule is being used, and store anew setting of the network device in association with the deployed userschedule. For example, processor 402 can detect a current user profilebeing used, and further detect an interaction with a network deviceduring use of a first user schedule. Upon detecting an interaction,processor 402 can initiate an update to the first user profile inresponse to detecting the interaction.

According to an aspect, processor 402 can be used to convert datareceived using broadband device 414 to a format that can be output to awireless energy network. Also, processor 402 can also be configured toconvert data received from the wireless energy network to a format thatcan be used by broadband device 414. For example, processor 402 caninclude a Linux enabled processor configured to convert an incomingmessage received from Zigbee device 422 to an XML enabled output data.Additionally, processor 402 can format XML enabled input data receivedfrom broadband device 414 to an outgoing Zigbee message that can beoutput using Zigbee device 422.

According to a further aspect, controller 400 can be configured as aserver and can deploy several processes of applications that can beused, including, but not limited to Ubuntu Version 9.04, Java SE Version6, “lighttpd HTTP Server”, Servlets, FastCGI, Apache log4j, Eclipse,Apache Ant, or any equivalent operating environments or software, or anycombination thereof.

According to an aspect, processor 402 using a Java operating environmentcan initiate generation of a Java output object using XML enabled inputdata received from broadband device 414. The Java output object caninclude network device data of a ZigBee enabled network deviceaccessible to a wireless energy network and Zigbee device 422. Processor402 can further initiate generation of XML enabled output data from anincoming message received from Zigbee device 422 using a Java inputobject configured to accesses network device data using a network deviceprofile stored within device profiles 422, and a profile modifiers 448as needed or desired.

According to an aspect, controller 400 can use communication interface430 and API 440 to enable access to ZigBee device 422 operably coupledto bus 408 and accessible to API 440. As such API 440 can be used byprocessor 402 during use of one or more modules to access Zigbee device422, WIFI device 424, AMI device, 426 or any combination thereof tocommunicate network data using a wireless energy network. As such,processor 402 can make API calls to API 440 to access various functionsof one or more communication devices 422, 424, 426.

According to another aspect, controller 400, can be used to coordinate awireless energy network, and use data within the wireless energy networkthat was received from an external information source accessible tocontroller 400. For example, broadband device 414 can be coupled to aninformation network. Broadband device 414 can further be coupled toinformation network interface 416 operable to access external datasources that can be communicatively coupled to broadband device 414.Controller 400 can initiate coordinating a wireless energy network, andinitiate outputting XML enabled output data as site report data toinformation network interface 416 to be communicated to an external datasource using broadband device 414. Site report data can include aportion or representation of network device data received by Zigbeedevice 422, or other device accessing the wireless energy network.According to an aspect, controller 400 can also receive control actionreport data using broadband device 414. For example, control actionreport data can include XML enabled input data that can be output asnetwork device data using the wireless energy network.

According to a further aspect, controller 400 can be configured toaccess a wireless energy network at more than one security level. Forexample, processor 402 can use security module 434 configured toinitiate supporting coordinating a wireless energy network at a firstsecurity level and enable access to a network device at a first securitylevel. For example, processor 402 can initiate receipt of an incomingmessage using Zigbee device 422 at the first security level. Upongaining access and communicating device data, processor 402 candisconnect the network device. In another form, security module 434 andprocessor 402 can then initiate access to a second network device at asecond security level using Zigbee device 422, and enable access to thesecond network device using the second security level. Processor 402 caninitiate receipt of a second incoming message at the second securitylevel, and upon receipt of device data disable access to the secondnetwork device. As such, controller 400 can use a single Zigbee device422 to access multiple network devices using more than one securitylevel.

According to an aspect, controller 400 can be used to access more thanone wireless energy network. For example, processor 402 can initiateusing a first wireless communication device, such as Zigbee device 422,to coordinate a first wireless energy network. Processor 402 can alsoinitiate using a second wireless communication device, such as a secondZigbee device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4), or other wirelessdevice, to coordinate a second wireless energy network. As such,processor 402 can access one or more network devices coupled to one ormore wireless energy networks. According to another aspect, a secondZigbee device, or other wireless device can be used to join a secondwireless energy network instead of coordinating the second wirelessenergy network. For example, the second wireless energy network caninclude an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) enabled networkoperably associated with an AMI enabled smart meter. AMI device 426 caninclude a second ZigBee device, or other wireless communication device,capable of joining an AMI enabled network of an AMI enabled smart meter(not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4). As such, smart meter data can beaccessed by controller 400 as needed or desired. For example, AMI dataor smart meter data can be obtained on a periodic basis and communicatedin association with a site report having network device data. As such,broadband device 414, wireless information network device 418, or otherinformation network devices can be used to site report data that caninclude AMI data acquired using controller 400.

According to another aspect, controller 400 can use AMI device 426 toaccess an AMI enabled smart meter to alter an operating condition of anetwork device accessible to controller 400 using Zigbee device 422. Forexample, AMI device 426 can include an advanced metering infrastructure(AMI) enabled interface capable of initiating access to an AMI enabledsmart meter. Controller 400 can use AMI device 426 to receive AMI datafrom an AMI enabled smart meter. Processor 402 can be used to initiatealtering an operating condition of a network device in response todetecting AMI data received from the AMI enabled smart meter. Processor402 can further be used to detect a smart energy control request outputby an AMI enabled smart meter, and initiate using the smart energycontrol request at the network device.

In some forms, a control request may be obviated by controller 400 bynot allowing an AMI initiated control request to be enabled. Forexample, processor 402 can access home profiles 446 and determinewhether a control action initiated by an AMI enabled smart meter shouldbe enabled or disabled. As such, controller 400 can be used to monitorcontrol actions being output by an AMI enabled smart meter or otherutility provided system, and alter the request as desired. For example,a user may create a home profile 446 that would not allow for acurtailment action of a network device. In other forms, home profile 446may enable a curtailment action over a period or schedule, and disable acurtailment action over another period or schedule. As such, controller400 can determine a valid period or schedule to enable and disable acurtailment action initiated by an AMI enabled smart meter.

According to a further aspect, controller 400 can reset an operatingcondition in the event an AMI enabled smart meter alters an operatingcondition of a network device. For example, an AMI enabled smart metermay be able to control a network device. Controller 400 can monitor anoperating condition of the network device, and in the event an operatingcondition has been altered to a setting that is not scheduled bycontroller 400, controller 400 can respond to the operating condition bynotifying a user, or automatically altering the operating condition to apreferred setting.

According to another aspect, controller 400 can be used to access aninformation network outside of the wireless home energy network. Forexample, information network interface 416 can be configured to accessan information network using broadband device 414, wireless informationnetwork device 418, external bus interface 420, or any combinationthereof. According to an aspect, wireless information network device 418can include a subscriber based network device, or in other forms caninclude a WIFI network access device, or various combinations thereof.According to an aspect, wireless information network device 418 caninclude WIFI device 424 that can be used to access an informationnetwork. As such, WIFI device 424 can be used to access an informationnetwork, an wireless energy network, a local wireless informationnetwork, or any combination thereof.

According to an aspect, controller 400 can use WIFI device 424 to becoupled to a WIFI enabled communication device such as a mobile device,smart phone, home computer, laptop computer, Netbook, or any other WIFIenabled device capable of connecting to a WIFI network. Communicationinterface 430 and processor 402 can be used to enable a WIFI enabledcommunication device to access network device data, site data, or anycombination of data accessible using the wireless energy network.Control actions can also be requested using the WIFI enabledcommunication device and connection to control a network device coupledto the wireless energy network accessible by controller 400. Forexample, a mobile device access a WIFI network can be used to access awireless energy network having a network device. In other forms,controller 400 can include a web server capable of communicating webservices that can be accessed by a mobile device (or other system ordevice), via a web based environment. For example, controller 400 canoutput portions or all of a graphical user interface as described inFIGS. 7-10 herein, or other graphical user interfaces that can be outputby a web server. As such, a user having a WIFI enable communicationdevice can be coupled to controller 400 using WIFI device 424 andmonitor, create and manage operating conditions, home profiles, userprofiles, device profiles, user schedules, proximity detection, demandresponse preferences, energy savings preferences, other controlsettings, view site data, or any combination thereof. Other settings andoperating conditions can be accessed, monitored, or managed as needed ordesired.

According to another aspect, controller 400 can include proximitydetection module 438 that can be accessed by processor 402 to enable anddisable proximity control at a site. For example, proximity detectionmodule 438 and processor can be used to detect a distance between amobile device having a location reporting device and the site. Processor402 can be used to identify a current operating condition of a networkdevice, and identify an updated operating condition of the networkdevice in response to the detected distance. Processor 402 can be usedto initiate generation of an outgoing message to include an updatedoperating condition in response to the distance. According to a furtheraspect, controller 400 can be configured to receive location data usingan information network having a server configured to communicatelocation data associated with a mobile device having a locationreporting device that is associated with a site. Location data can bestored within memory 404 and used to monitor a distance and directionbetween a site and the mobile device. As such, controller 400 caninitiate control actions using the location data, and the location dataneed not be stored in a server remotely located to a site. Variouscontrol actions can be generated using various types of conditionsincluding detecting a distance, determining a control zone having adistance or interval, travel pattern of a mobile device, monitoringcurrent and future weather data, monitoring real-time traffic data,monitoring energy pricing data, monitoring home efficiency data, orusing any combination of energy management information in associationwith providing proximity control of a site.

According to an aspect, controller 400 can include a plug computeremploying a Linux based server configured to manage energy use at asite. For example, controller 400 can include a Java enabled processoras processor 402, memory 404 configured to store incoming and outgoingwireless energy network messages, Zigbee device 422 capable of accessinga wireless energy network, and information network interface 416 capableof initiating communication with an information network. Controller 400can also include communication interface 430 operably coupled to bus 408and Zigbee device 422 coupled to bus 408. Through utilizing a Javaenabled processor and Linux operating system, controller 400 can deploya web server (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4) and a Javaenvironment to handle and convert XML data received using a web serverinto Java objects that can be used to communicate network device dataand various other types of data.

For example, processor 400 can be used to convert an incoming messagereceived from a wireless energy network using the Zigbee device 422 intoXML enabled output data. Processor 402 can format an outgoing message tobe output to a wireless energy network using XML enabled input data thatincludes a network device identifier of a network device accessibleusing a wireless energy network. Communication interface 430 can beconfigured to detect the outgoing message formatted by processor 402 tobe output using the wireless energy network, and configure the outgoingmessage to a message bus format to be output to communication bus 408.In some forms, the outgoing message can include network device dataconfigured to be output to a wireless energy network. Communicationinterface 430 can further detect an incoming message received from awireless energy network that includes incoming network device data.Communication interface 430 can be used to convert the incoming messageaccessed from bus 408 from the message bus format to detect incomingnetwork device data that can be output to processor 402. Processor 402can then be used to generate site data including the network devicedata, and a site report that can be communicated using informationnetwork interface 416.

FIG. 5A illustrates a block diagram of a mobile device, generallyillustrated at 500, according to an aspect of the disclosure. Mobiledevice 500 can be configured as a smart phone or handheld computer,tablet, and the like such as an I-Phone® device, a Blackberry® device,an Android® device, an IPad® or various other devices or systems. Mobiledevice 500 can include a processor 502, a memory 504, an I/O device 506such as a keypad, touch screen, function buttons, a mini qwerty board,or any other type of input device capable providing control of mobiledevice 500 or any combination thereof. I/O devices 506 can also includea speaker for outputting sound, and a microphone for detecting sound.Mobile device 500 can also include a display 508 such as color LCDdisplay, touch screen display, or any combination thereof. According toa further aspect, one of more of I/O devices 506 can be displayed withindisplay 508 having touch screen capabilities, such as selectable GUIelements that can be used to control features, functions, or variousother application of mobile device 500. As such, mobile device 500 canbe configured to use numerous applications that output graphicalelements configurable to control mobile device 500 and applicationsaccessible by mobile device 500.

According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can also include anenergy management application 510 accessible to processor 502 andconfigured to enable a user to manage energy use of at a site in amobile environment. Mobile device 500 can also include a locationreporting device 515, such as GPS technology, cell tower locationtechnology, triangulation technology or any combination thereof.Portions of location reporting device 515 can be located within mobiledevice 500 however in other forms, a wireless network can includefunctionality that can be selectively accessed to detect a location ofmobile device 500.

According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can also include anetwork interface 514 configurable to enable access to a WIFI device516, a Bluetooth device 518, a ZigBee device 520, or any combinationsthereof. According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can alsoinclude a wireless data network device 522 that can be configured withone or more RF radios capable of connecting to one or more wirelessnetworks such as a 3G network, 4G network, PCS network, EDGE network,cellular network, or any combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, mobile device 500 can also include an energymanagement user interface 530 capable of being displayed within display508. Energy management user interface 530 can include a user informationsection 532 that can display various types of user data such as alocation of a site being managed, an energy provider providing energy tothe site being managed, an energy personality of the user based on theuser's interaction with energy use at the residential site, or variousother types of user profile information.

According to a further aspect, energy management user interface 530 caninclude a current readings section 534 configured to display a currentreadings and operating conditions of a site. For example, currentreadings can include a current inside temperature, outside temperature,proximity setting, energy alert setting, savings rate, status of networkdevices being managed such as lights, HVAC system, hot water heatersystem, sprinkler system, refrigerator system, washing machine system,distributed energy generation system such as a solar array, batterystorage device, fuel cell, wind turbine generator, or any combinationthereof. Other network devices can also be managed as needed or desired.Current readings section 534 can include a selectable graphical elementthat can be selected to access additional site information. Siteinformation displayed within current readings 534 can be accessed from aremote server capable of managing or storing site reports that includesite data and device data. In other forms, site information, currentreading, operating conditions, or any combination thereof can beaccessed using a WIFI device 516 of mobile device 500.

According to a further aspect, energy management user interface 530 caninclude a current settings section configured to enable a user to alteran operating condition of a network device being managed. For example,current settings section 536 can include current setting of one or morethermostats at a site, settings of any other network device beingmanaged at a site. Current settings section 536 can also include generalsettings to manage a site. For example, a general setting can include aproximity detection setting, a demand response setting, an energy alertssettings, a savings setting, schedules, calendars, events, a vacationsetting to enable a vacation schedule, or any other type of setting thatcan be used to manage energy consumption or network devices at a site,or any combination thereof. Current settings section 536 can alsoinclude a graphical element that can be selected to access additionalsettings as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, energy management user interface 530 caninclude a current savings section 538 configured to enable a user toaccess energy savings information and adjust as needed or desired. Forexample, an energy savings amount obtained at a site can be realized. Auser may also be able to access an energy saving selector (not expresslyillustrated in FIG. 5B) to modify an energy savings level. For example,a user can change a savings level to low, medium, high, or various othersavings metrics. According to another aspect, a user may access avacation mode (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 5B) and alter anoperating condition of a site by selecting a vacation mode using mobiledevice 500. As such, various energy savings settings can be selected asneeded or desired.

According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can provide proximityupdates, site report requests, site control commands, configurationdata, settings, scheduling data, text messages such as SMS, MMS andothers, and various other types of information or data or anycombination thereof that can be used with an energy management system.According to another aspect, mobile device 500 may not have fullfunctionality or capabilities of a smart phone or other device capableof running an application. For example, a mobile device such as a cellphone may not be capable of loading an application such as an energymanagement application. However, the mobile device may have sufficientfunctionality to allow an energy management system to contact the mobiledevice. For example, an adverse operating condition may be detected at asite (e.g. temperature set-point of thermostat is out of range, lightsare left on, etc.). As such, the energy management system can identifythe mobile device and send a message, such as a text message, an emailmessage, or any combination thereof, capable of being received anddisplayed by the mobile device. In some forms, a user can receive themessage and respond to the message, enabling the user to control theoperating condition of the network device at the site. For example, theuser can respond to the message via a text message, an email message, oranother messaging application accessible to the mobile device. As such,a mobile device that may not be able to run energy managementapplication 510 can be used to control an operating condition at anassociated site.

During operation, a user can access operating status and generatecontrol actions to control a network device (not expressly illustratedin FIG. 5A or 5B) at a site. For example, mobile device can receive andsend messages, such as text messages, HTTP enabled messages, XML enabledmessages, email messages, data, or any combination thereof. For example,if an outside temperature at a site is increasing or forecasted toincrease, and the price of energy is increasing or scheduled toincrease, mobile device 500 can receive a message to inform the user ofthe condition. The user can respond to the message as desired. In otherforms, a suggestion can be sent to the user. For example, a suggestionto increase a thermostat or indoor temperature by three degrees can bereceived by mobile device 500. Upon receiving the message, the user canrespond to the message using a text or other messaging technology. Inother forms, a user can access energy management application 510 andinitiate a control action to adjust the thermostat to differentset-point. In this manner, a user can become aware of a currentoperating or forecasted condition in a mobile environment, and respondas needed or desired.

According to another aspect, mobile device 500 can include a portion orall of energy management application 510 running in the background, inthe foreground, or any combination thereof. According to an aspect,energy management application 510 can be launched automatically when amessage or energy alert may be received by mobile device 500.

According to a further aspect, energy management application 510 can beoperable to work with an energy management system to update a controlaction field within a database. For example, mobile device 500 andenergy management application 510 can initiate updating a control fieldwithin a database to identify a control action. Energy managementapplication 510 can further update a new set-point within the database.As such, an energy management system can generate a control actionreport or data during a site upload. In this manner, a user of mobiledevice 500 can update control setting using a remote server or energymanagement system, and control actions can be generated to alter anoperating condition at a site.

According to another aspect, energy management application 510 canoutput recommendation settings of a network device to the user. Forexample, a user can select a low savings, medium savings, or a highsavings at a residential site using current settings 536. A user canselect a savings level, and mobile device 500 can communicate a messageto an energy management system associated with the site and mobiledevice 500 to generate a control action to alter an operating conditionat a site based on a savings level setting. For example, an energymanagement system can calculate new settings of one or more networkdevices, intervals to set the network devices, start and stop times, andthe like. In some instances, settings can be determined based on aforecasted weather, forecasted energy pricing, forecasted energyavailability, proximity of mobile device 500 from a site, or variousother types of data. Settings can be stored within a database andcontrol actions can be initiated as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, an energy alert message received bymobile device 500 can be used to alter or display an energy status icon,alter an application icon, alter a status within a social network, orvarious combinations thereof. For example, a user can then select theenergy status icon using mobile device 500 and an associated applicationcan be presented to a user to allow a user to alter an operatingcondition as desired. In some forms, a user's election to reduce energyconsumption during peak times or other times can be fed into theirsocial network as an energy savings message or update. A user's energypersonality can also be output from mobile device or associated webservice to be updated within a social network as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can include proximitydetection module 524 operably associated with energy managementapplication 510 and location reporting device 512. Proximity detectionmodule 524 can be provided as a part of energy management application510, location reporting device 512, may be provided as a separatemodule, or any combination thereof. According to an aspect, proximitydetection module 524 can be used with location reporting device 512 todetect a distance mobile device 500 may be from an associated site. Forexample, proximity detection module 524 can be operated as a backgroundprocess that periodically requests a location from location reportingdevice 512. Location reporting device 512 can use various locationreporting methods (e.g. GPS, triangulation, etc.) to detect a currentlocation, and an associated API of location reporting device 512.According to an aspect, proximity detection module 524 can request anaccuracy of a location to be provided by location reporting device 512,and a response time. For example, if a GPS signal may not be availableto mobile device 500, location reporting device 512 can be requested byproximity detection module 524 to detect a location using atriangulation technique or other technique within 500 milliseconds. Inanother form, proximity detection module 524 can alter reportingparameters of location reporting device 512 in response to a relativelocation mobile device 500 may be from an associated site. For example,mobile device 500 may be greater than five (5) miles from an associatedsite, and location reporting device 524 can alter a distance accuracy,response time, method used, or various other location reportingparameters that can be selected.

According to another aspect, proximity detection module 524 can be usedto initiate altering an operating condition of an associated site inresponse to a location of mobile device 500. For example, proximitydetection module 524 can be used to detect mobile device 500 beinggreater than two miles away from an associated site, and a directionthat is moving away from an associated site. Proximity detection module524 can output a location and direction to energy management application510, and energy management application 510 can detect whether toinitiate a control action at an associated site.

According to a further aspect, proximity detection module 524 can beused to detect a location at a modifiable interval (e.g. one (1) minute,five (5) minutes, etc.) to reduce the amount battery drain or powerconsumption of mobile device 500. For example, as mobile device 500 maybe moving away from an associated site, and an interval to accesslocation data using location reporting device 512 can be increased (e.g.set from one (1) minute to three (3) minutes). In another form, asmobile device 500 moves closer to an associated site, proximitydetection module 524 request at location from location reporting device512 at a shorter interval (e.g. set from five (5) minutes to (1)minute). Various combinations of intervals can be deployed as needed ordesired. In other forms, energy pricing at a period of time can also beused to alter reporting of a location reporting device 512. Variousother combinations of using data to alter reporting of a location canalso be used as needed or desired to reduce battery consumption or otheroperating conditions of mobile device 500.

According to a further aspect, proximity detection module 524, energymanagement application 510, or another portion of mobile device 500, orany combination thereof can be used as an energy management system. Forexample, an energy management system, such as energy management system200 illustrated in FIG. 2, energy management system 600 illustrated inFIG. 6, an energy management system located at a site, hosted within anetwork, a apparatus or device capable of energy management, or anycombination thereof can be used. According to an aspect, an energymanagement system can receive location data reported by locationreporting device 512, and alter an operating condition of mobile device500 based on a relative location mobile device 500 may be from anassociated site. As such, an energy management system can be used toalter an operating condition of mobile device 500.

According to another aspect, sampling of location reporting device 512can be updated using energy management application 510, an energy serveroperably associated with mobile device 500, or any combination thereof.For example, mobile device 500 can be detected by an energy managementsystem as being between three and five miles from a site. An energymanagement system or application can further detect mobile device 500traveling away from an associated site. As such, access to locationreporting device 512 can be reduced thereby reducing energy consumptionof mobile device 500.

According to a further aspect, a user of mobile device 500 may enter abuilding where a location based signal, such as a GPS signal, may not beable to be accessed or have limited access. As such, a sampling intervalof location reporting device 512 may be altered to conserve energy. Upona user exiting a building and a location of mobile device 500 beingdetected, a sampling interval can be returned to a previous value or anew value as needed or desired. According to further aspect, a samplinginterval can be sent to mobile device 500 from another source such as anenergy management system. In other forms, updated sampling intervals canbe stored within mobile device 500 and accessed as needed or desired. Inother forms, a distance from a site, a sampling interval, direction, orvarious combinations of data can be communicated to mobile device 500 tobe used to alter access to location reporting device 512.

According to another aspect, mobile device 500 can include software traproutines to be used when a location may go undetected. For example,energy management application 510 can use proximity detection module 524that accesses location reporting device 512 to obtain a location.However, if a location is not obtained, or invalid, or any combinationthereof, a software trap routine can be used to keep the proximitymodule, or background process from exiting. In this manner, energymanagement application 510 and various modules, associated processes, orany combination thereof can be continuously run without having toreceive valid location data, and terminating the background process.

According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can incorporate variousportions or functionality of energy management system 200, controller300, energy management system 600, wireless thermostat 1200, or variousother systems, apparatuses, modules, GUI's or any combination thereofdescribed herein as needed or desired to manage energy use in a mobileenvironment using mobile device 500. Additionally, mobile device 500 canuse various types of data accessible to mobile device 500 including, butnot limited to EMI data disclosed herein. According to an aspect, anapplication icon (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 5B) can be providedin a association with energy management application 510. For example, anicon can be used to access energy management application 510 can in someforms, can be altered to display energy consumption information,settings information or various other types of information without auser having to launch energy management application 510. For example,energy management application 510 can alter text information (e.g.device settings, current readings, lights on/off, etc.). An example caninclude displaying a current thermostat setting of a thermostat at asite, altering a color of an icon based on an energy savings orconsumption level, alter a color based on proximity information, displaya current temperature within a site, or various combinations thereof. Assuch, a user need not launch an energy management application 510 to EMIdata associated with a site.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management system,generally illustrated at 600, according to another aspect of thedisclosure. Energy management system 600 can include a server 602operable to be coupled a site 604. Server 602 can include a processor606 and a database 608. Server 602 can include an external data sourceinterface 610 that can be coupled to an external data source 612 using anetwork connection 614. External data source 612 can include one or moredata sources capable of providing access to EMI data, various othertypes of data, or any combination thereof. According to a furtheraspect, external data source 612 can also include third party sources.For example, an external data source 612 can include subscription based,non-subscription based, or any combination thereof of data havingweather conditions, traffic conditions, grid operating conditions,wholesale energy prices, real-time energy pricing, dynamic pricinginformation, fixed pricing information, forecasted energy pricing,forecasted energy consumption, forecasted energy production, alternativeenergy production, distributed alternative energy production, zonaldemand or operating conditions, nodal demand or operating conditions, orother EMI data that can be accessed using a third party.

According to a further aspect, server 602 can also include a networkinterface 616 that can be coupled to a network location 618 using anetwork connection 620. Network location 618 can be used to access toEMI data, various other types of data, or any combination thereof.Server 602 can also use network interface 620 to access a publicnetwork, a private network, a semi-private network or any combinationthereof. According to an aspect, network interface 616 can include anetwork communication device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6) and aweb server operable to enable access to the Internet or othercommunication network. Server 602 can also include a site interface 622that can be coupled to site 604 using a network connection 624 operableto be coupled to a home controller 626. According to an aspect, siteinterface 622 can be realized as a web services based applicationconfigured to receive information initiated by site 604.

According to an aspect, site 604 can also include a wireless thermostat,TSTAT 628, operably coupled to NVAC system, HVAC 630. Site 604 canfurther include a mobile device 632 associated with site 604. Mobiledevice 632 can be coupled to a mobile client interface 634, such as aWAP or other mobile device gateway capable of communicating using amobile information network 636. According to an aspect, energymanagement system 600 can be operably to provide a first zone 638 havinga first distance 640, and a second zone 642 having a second distance642. First zone 638 and second zone 642 can be used to control TSTAT 628and HVAC 630. For example, first zone 638 and second zone 642 can beprovided as a boundary that can be determined in various ways to controlone or more energy consuming devices at site 604.

According to another aspect, server 602 and processor 606 can includeone or more processors having one or more core processors. Server 602can also use any combination of software modules, firmware, encodedlogic, or any combination thereof to manage energy use. For example,server 602 can use a scheduling module 648, a scheduling tool module650, a scheduling templates module 652, a control action report module654, a site data report module 656, an efficiency rating module 658, aset-point update module 660, a proximity detection module 662, a zoneupdate module 664, a current readings module 666, a demand responsemodule 668, an energy savings module 670, a message module 672, aninteraction detection module 674, an energy personality module 678, orany combination thereof.

According to an aspect, database 608 can be configured to store EMIdata, control action data, site report data or any combination thereof.For example, database 608 can store data received from one or moreresidential sites associated with server 602. For example, site 604 canaccess TSTAT 628 using a wireless energy network deployed at site 604.Processor 606 can be configured to access site report data stored withindatabase 608. Processor 606 can detect a current temperature set-pointwithin the site data and an associated date and time of TSTAT 628 atsite 604. Processor 606 can detect a current temperature reading at site604, and can further detect seasonal settings stored within database608. For example, a seasonal profile can include seasonal settings thatcan include settings of a winter schedule, a summer schedule, or variouscombinations of seasons and settings. According to an aspect, processor606 can detect a current operating mode of HVAC 630 operably coupled toTSTAT 628, and determine a thermostat schedule to be used with TSTAT628. For example, if HVAC 630 may be in an A/C mode, a summer profile,schedule and the like can be deployed which can include temperaturesettings that can be different than a winter profile. For example,scheduling module 648 can be used to determine a date, a time or timeinterval, thermostat setting, operating mode, or any combinationthereof, and store a schedule within database 608.

According to another aspect, server 602 can also generate control actionreports using control action report module 654. For example, processor606 can initiate generation of a control action report to communicate tosite 604. A control action report can be generated in various ways withvarious types of data and settings to control an operating environmentat site 604. For example, a control action report can be generated bysetting a control action field within database 608.

According to a further aspect, energy management system 600 can useseasonal settings to control HVAC 630. For example, energy managementsystem 600 can detect an operating mode of HVAV 630 and alter aset-point in using the detected operating mode and an associatedseasonal profile. For example, an updated temperature set-point caninclude a value between a current temperature set-point and a minimumseasonal set-point in response to the current operating mode of HVAC 630being in a heating mode. An updated temperature set-point can also havea value between a current temperature set-point and a maximum seasonalset-point in response to the current operating mode of HVAC 630 being ina cooling mode. Server 602 can generate a control action report that canalso includes settings or data generated in response to an efficiencyrating of site 604, an estimated time period to generate an updatedtemperature reading, an updated temperature set-point, a current energyprice, and a future energy price or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect, server 602 can be used to generate acontrol action report using proximity detection module 662. For example,processor 606 can detect a distance between a location reporting device,such as mobile device 632 and site 604. Processor 606 can further detecta zone, such as first zone 638, second zone 642 or additional zones asdesired. Using a detected zone, processor 606 can initiate generation ofa control action report to be communicated to site 604 in response to acurrent zone. In this manner, various network devices (not expresslyillustrated in FIG. 6) at site 604 can be automatically controlled on azone by zone basis as mobile device 632 moves away from, or towards,site 604.

According to another aspect, one or more of the zones 638, 642,additional zones (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6), or anycombination thereof can be updated automatically using updatedconditions. For example, processor 606 can use a zone update module 664on a periodic basis to update zones using various types of data. Forexample, processor 606 can detect an efficiency rating of site 604,detect an external temperature at site 604 from an external data source612 or other sources, determine a real-time travel time between mobiledevice 632 having location reporting capabilities and site 604.Processor 606 can modify distance 640, 644, or any combination thereof.For example, an efficiency rating of site 604, external temperature atsite 604, estimated real-time travel time to or from site 604, variousother EMI, or any combination thereof can be used. Although illustratedas being sequential, zones 638, 642 can be modified independently,together, or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect, server 602 can use proximity detectionmodule 662 to detect when mobile device 632 may be moving away from site604, and adjust HVAC 630 using thermostat 628. For example, processor606 can detect mobile device 632 moving away from site 604. Processor606 can further detect a percentage change value associated with acurrent zone, and further detect a base set-point of TSTAT 628.Processor 606 can further determine a difference between the baseset-point, and a minimum seasonal set-point in response to a currentoperating mode of the HVAC 630. For example, if the HVAC 630 is in aheating mode a percentage change can be determined to adjust use of aheating unit.

According to a further aspect, server 602 can determine a differencebetween a base set-point and a maximum seasonal set-point in response toa current operating mode of the HVAC being in a cooling mode. As such,processor 606 can determine an updated thermostat set-point as a percentchange based on the determined difference. Processor 606 can initiategeneration of a control action report including an updated thermostatset-point to be used at site 604.

According to another aspect, server 602 can be used to generate anaggregated demand schedule. For example, processor 606 can determineenergy demand of a plurality of residences in a region using schedulingmodule 648. For example, processor 606 can identify a group ofresidential sites within a specified region (not expressly illustratedin FIG. 6) and access thermostat schedules of each of the residentialsites within the group. Processor 606 can also aggregate scheduling datausing thermostat schedules, and initiate an outputting of the aggregatedscheduling data. Aggregated scheduling data can include time intervals,settings, etc. and in some forms can also include an estimate of energyconsumption based on an efficiency rating of residential sites,consumption profiles, location data, or various other site attributesthat can be used to calculate an aggregated demand. According to anaspect, aggregated data can be used to forecast load, energy production,virtual capacity, demand response capacity, grid congestion, or anycombination of grid attributes that can use aggregated scheduling data.

According to another aspect, energy management system 600 can alsoinclude a web services enabled scheduling tool to schedule energy use ata residential site. For example, processor 606 can use scheduling toolmodule 650 to generate a web based or network based graphical userinterface that includes a scheduling tool. FIG. 8A-D illustrate examplesof a web services enabled scheduling tool and user interfaces that canbe output using scheduling tool module 650. For example, processor 606can output a thermostat selector configurable to enable selection of oneor more wireless thermostats located at site 604. An event scheduleroperably associated with the thermostat selector and configurable toenable a user to graphically select a utilization schedule of the one ormore wireless thermostats can also be output by processor 606. Processor606 can also be used to update a utilization schedule to include a timeof day and temperature setting. Scheduling tool module 650 can be usedto control the one or more network devices that can include wirelessthermostats, smart appliances and the like. Scheduling tool module 650can be used to output an energy savings preference selector configuredto graphically modify the utilization schedule, and display a resultingenergy savings, a weather forecasting tool, and various other types oftools or scheduling features to assist in managing or scheduling use ofa network device.

According to another aspect, server 602 can also use interactiondetection module 674 to detect when a user may alter an operating modeof a network device. For example, interaction detection module 674 candetect when a user may adjust a thermostat at a specific time of theday, and suggest a modification of a utilization schedule to a userduring a user access to scheduling tool output using scheduling toolmodule 650. A user can then elect to have the utilization scheduleupdated to include the suggestion as needed or desired.

According to another aspect, server 602 and scheduling tool module 650can be used to enable additional features and functions. For example, ascheduling tool can be used to display a proximity control selectorconfigured to enable and disable proximity control of a residentialsite, a demand response selector configured to enable and disableparticipation in demand response event, a vacation mode selector toenable and disable a vacation schedule, an auto update selectorconfigured to enable an automatic update of the utilization schedule inresponse to a detection of a user interaction with the one or morenetwork device, or various other controls that can be used to manageenergy use at a site, or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect, server 602 and scheduling tool module 650can be used to enable and disable demand response capabilities. Forexample, a scheduling tool can used to provide a demand responseselector (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6) operable to be displayedwith a scheduling tool. A demand response selector can include severalsettings such as an always participate selection configured to alwaysenable a curtailment of an HVAC system in response to a demand responseevent, a never participate selection configured to not allow acurtailment of the HVAC system in response to a demand response event, arequest participation selection configured to initiate a communication,such as an email, text message, instant message, social network message,or various combinations thereof to the user to request participation ina demand response event. A demand response selector can be operablyassociated with demand response module 668 to initiate demand responseinquiries, analyses, and deployments.

According to another aspect, server 602 can also use scheduling templatemodule 652 to generate utilization templates that a user can access andmodify to schedule energy use. For example, a plurality of energytemplates can be accessed by a scheduling tool. Templates can include apredetermined utilization schedule selectable by the user based on auser's scheduling profile. A selected predetermined utilization schedulecan be modifiable by a user using a scheduling tool module 650, andsaved as needed or desired. According to an aspect, server 602 canoutput an on-line questionnaire or survey that a user can participate into determine an energy template to use.

According to a further aspect, server 602 can also use energypersonality detection module 678 to detect an interaction profile of auser. For example, a user may be an urban professional having a longwork commute which may result in a first portion of a utilizationschedule. Upon arriving at a residential site, a user may interact withtheir thermostat to which will result in a different portion of autilization schedule. For example, a user may like an indoor temperatureto be colder when going to bed. As such, a personality of the user whileaway and while at home can be used to automatically generate a user'sschedule. According to another aspect, an energy personality indicia orcharacter can be generated and output with a user's on-line schedulingtool, within a user's social network, or any combination thereof. Forexample, processor 606 can detect an interaction of a user with awireless thermostat, and display of an energy personality indicia inresponse to the interaction. A user can then enable or disable displayof the energy personality indicia within a social network such asFacebook®, MySpace®, etc. In other forms, processor 606 can be used tomodify the indicia based on an overall energy savings a user hasaccomplished at their residential site. For example, processor 606 canuse energy savings module 670 to determine an energy savings of theindividual and alter the energy personality indicia accordingly. Inanother form, a user can set up a messaging service or account usingTwitter® and the like to output energy savings updates to a subscriberbase in response to an energy saving initiate, participating in demandresponse events, alter energy use, or various other forms. According toa further aspect, a Twitter® account or other messaging service can beused on a community basis to inform a group of individuals of energymanagement events. For example, an “energy action day” or “energyalerts” can be posted using a Twitter® account to subscribers and asubscriber can curtail energy use using energy management system 600 orvarious other energy management systems as needed or desired. Otherforms of messaging or any combination thereof can be used as needed ordesired.

According to another aspect, server 602 can be used to determine asample size of residential sites and corresponding schedules to forecastenergy consumption over an interval. For example, processor 606 can beused to determine a random sample size of residential sites inconnection with estimating an energy consumption of a specific regionsuch as a zip code, street or series of streets, substations supportingresidential sites, node-to-node, or any combination thereof or othermethods of determining a region. Upon identifying a sample size of aregion, residential sites can be identified within the region. Forexample, processor 606 can then determine associated thermostatschedules of residential sites within the specified region usingscheduling module 648. Server 602 can output thermostat scheduling dataof the plurality of sites in connection with scheduling or forecastingenergy use.

According to another aspect, server 602 can also be used to enable ademand response initiated at site 604. For example, processor 606 canuse demand response module 668 to detect an enabled demand responsesetting of site 604. Processor 606 can further detect a demand responseevent condition and enable a curtailment action of HVAC 630 if a user ofsite 604 has selected participation in a demand response event. Anenergy reduction capacity of site 604 can be determined using efficiencyrating module 658, scheduling module 648, proximity detection module662, or various other modules, data sources, or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect, server 602 can also use demand responsemodule 668 to contact individuals prior to curtailing energy use at site604. For example, processor 606 can initiate a demand response eventrequest communication to communicate to the users of a plurality ofsites. Processor 606 can detect a user response level to participate ina demand response event, and enable a curtailment of a correspondingHVAC system or other energy consuming devices at a site of a userelecting to participate in the demand response event. In this manner,user's may not be forced to participate in demand response events butcan have real-time election capabilities to participate as needed ordesired.

According to an aspect, server 602 can send a text message that includesa request to participate in a demand response event. In some forms, atext message can include an agreement to pay the user to participate ina demand response event. Payment can take various forms such as credits,cash, rewards, points, contribution to education funds, discounts onenergy rates, or any combination thereof. Server 602 can receive aresponse from using mobile client interface 634 and process the responseusing message module 672 to determine a desire to participate or not.

According to another aspect, server 602 can be used with schedulingmodule 648 to determine an aggregate capacity to reduce energyconsumption. For example, processor 606 can be used to identify a groupof residences within the plurality of residences and determine an energyreduction capacity of each of the residences within the group using anefficiency rating of each of the residences within the group. Upondetermining an efficiency rating of each residence, processor 606 candetect other data to be used to determine an available capacity. Forexample, current weather conditions at each residential site can bedetected, a user's energy schedule or thermostat schedule can be used, aresponse to text messages or emails electing to participate can bedetermined, grid conditions can be used, or any combination thereof.Upon estimating an available capacity, an aggregate energy reductioncapacity based on the energy reduction capacity of each of theresidences within the group can be determined.

According to another aspect, server 602 can use an aggregate energyreduction capacity in association with an auction. For example,processor 606 can initiate an auction of virtual energy capacity toretail energy providers electing to bid an available energy capacity. Inother forms, a third party can host an auction and energy managementsystem 600 can output an available capacity in association with anupcoming auction event, peak demand period, transmission ratedetermination period, or any combination thereof. For example, processor606 can initiate an auction process to sell the aggregate energyreduction capacity to a third party, and detect a sale of the aggregateenergy reduction capacity in connection with the auction process. Upon asale occurring, processor 606 can initiate a curtailment of an HVACsystem, other energy consuming devices, or any combination thereof, ateach of the residences within the group.

According to another aspect, energy management system 600 can includemobile client interface 634 operable to be coupled to mobile device 632associated with site 604. For example, mobile client interface 634 caninclude a WAP gateway or other mobile client gateway to enable server602 access to mobile device 632. Mobile client interface 634 can beprovided as a part of server 602, however in other forms, portions orall of mobile client interface 634 can be provided by a specificwireless network provider. As such, mobile client interface 634 can beconfigured to communicate with a specific carrier having a WAP gateway.Mobile client interface 634 can be used to communicate EMI or controldata between WAP gateway and server 602 using any combination wirelessor terrestrial communication technologies. Additionally, WAP gateway canalso include logic or modules that can provide mobile device usersaccess to EMI data or control data generated by mobile device 632,server 602, energy management system 600, or any portions andcombinations thereof.

According to an aspect, mobile client interface 632 can receive a sitereadings request of site 604 from mobile device 632. For example,processor 606 can detect the site reading request and initiate access todatabase 608 to retrieve site report data of site 604. Processor 606 canformat the site report data as mobile device data, and output the mobiledevice data to mobile device 632 using mobile device network 636.

According to another aspect, mobile client interface 634 can receive arequest from mobile device 632 to modify a current temperature set-pointof HVAC system 630. For example, processor 606 can process a receivedrequest from mobile device 632 and initiate generation of a controlreport using control action report module 654. The control action reportcan include a reference to an updated temperature set-point communicatedfrom mobile device 632 to mobile client interface 634. Processor 606 canset a variable or field within database 608 to alter a set-point. Uponsite 604 initiating access to server 602, processor 606 can access avariable or field associated with site 604, and generate a controlaction report or control data to be communicated to site 604 using siteinterface 622. As such, upon a temperature set-point being updated atsite 604, home controller 626 can communicate a control actionconfirmation data, site report, status information, or variouscombinations thereof to confirm the updated temperature set-point.Processor 606 can output a confirmation of the updated temperatureset-point to the mobile client interface 634 upon receiving aconfirmation, and can output an updated temperature set-point to mobiledevice 632.

According to another aspect, mobile device 632 can be used to enable anddisable operating modes of one or more network devices located at site604. For example, mobile device 632 can include a mobile applicationloaded on mobile device 632 that can be used to control settings at site604. FIGS. 5A and B illustrate examples of energy management applicationand functionality that can be used by mobile device 632 although otherapplications and functions can also be deployed using mobile device 632as needed or desire. According to another aspect, mobile device 632 canaccess a web based application associated with server 602 using a webbrowser of mobile device 632 to enable and disable operating modes orconditions at site 602. For example, mobile device 632 can alter aproximity setting, alter one or more environmental control zones, accesscurrent readings, modify a vacation setting, modify energy useschedules, or various other operating modes or data associated withcontrolling or maintaining operating modes of network devices located atsite 604 as needed or desired.

According to another aspect, energy management system 600, can be usedto send messages to mobile device 632 in connection with an alteredoperating condition at site 634. For example, processor 606 can accesssite data received from site 604, and further detect a manual inputcondition provided at TSTAT 628. For example, a user may have decreaseda temperature set-point of TSTAT 628. Processor 606 can detect whether auser is at home using location data received from mobile device 632 andproximity detection module 660. Upon detecting the condition, processor606 can determine if it should initiate a text message indicating themanual input condition. For example, processor 606 can use messagemodule 672 to format and output a text message indicating the conditionchange of TSTAT 628, and ouptut the text message using mobile clientinterface 634. A user can then alter the condition using mobile device632 as desired. In other forms, an email message or other electronicmessage can also be sent to a user. For example, a message can bedisplayed within a window of a computer system associated with the user.In other forms, a text message can be sent to multiple mobile devicesassociated with site 604. Various other combinations of alerting a userof site 604 of a manual change to an operating condition can be used asneeded or desired.

FIG. 7 illustrates an energy management user interface (EMUI),illustrated generally at 700, according to an aspect of the disclosure.In some forms, EMUI 700 can be accessed using a mobile device, desktopcomputer, Netbook, laptop computer, smart phone, a energy displaydevice, a smart thermostat, a home automation control terminal, andIPad® or any combination of devices capable of displaying energymanagement user interfaces.

According to an aspect, EMUI 700 can include a user information section702 configured to display one or more user names 704, a residential siteaddress 706, a mobile phone number 708 associated with residential siteaddress 706. User information section 702 can further display a currentenergy provider 710 associated with residential site address 705, and acurrent best rate 712 of a third party energy provider available atresidential site address 706. An advertisement 714 section can also bedisplayed, and an edit details link 716 can be displayed to enable auser to access, edit, modify, delete, manage, etc. information displayedwithin user information section 702. FIG. 9 described herein includes anexample of a user interface that can be used to edit user informationdisplayed within user information section 702. User information section702 can also display an energy personality 740 associated with hers name704. Energy personality 740 can also be linked to one or more socialnetworks as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, a current readings section 718 can bedisplayed within EMUI 700. Current readings section 718 can include, forexample, a current date and time section 720 with a current insidetemperature and outside temperature at a residential site. Currentreadings section 718 can further include a current thermostat set-point722 of a thermostat located at a residential site. More than onethermostat can be deployed at a residential site and current thermostatset-point 722 can include references such as “Main”, “2”, “3” or someother indicia configured to enable access to current thermostat readingsof multiple thermostats at a residential site. A user can also modifythe name or number of a thermostat, zone, etc. using an edit feature ofthermostat set-point 722.

According to a further aspect, a current readings section 718 can alsoinclude an energy savings level 724 configured to indicate a savingslevel that relates to current thermostat set-point 722. For example, ascurrent thermostat set-point 722 is set to a low set-point, an airconditioner unit may run more frequently and cause a low energy savings.As such, a visual indication of an energy savings can be displayed inassociation with a current set-point giving a user feedback on energyconsumption based on a thermostat set point. In some forms, a user canadjust a thermostat set-point up or down, and an energy savings levelcan be altered in near real-time based on the users selection. Forexample, various programming languages such as DHTML, AJAX, Flash, HTML5, and the like can be used to show a near real-time update of one ormore fields within EMUI 700.

According to a further aspect, EMUI 700 can also include a demandresponse notification selector 726 configured to enable participation indemand response events, disable participation in demand response events,and enable a text message (or other messages) to be sent to a user torequest participation in a demand response event. According to a furtheraspect, EMUI 700 can also include a proximity detection selector 728configured to enable proximity detection of one or more mobile devicesassociated with a residential site.

According to another aspect, EMUI 700 can also include an energyusage/savings section 730 that can display a current annual savings 732,a current monthly savings 734, a demand response savings 736, and a viewmore data link 738. According to an aspect, view more data link 738 canbe operably associated with accessing portions or all of EMUI 800described in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates an energy management user interface operable toreport energy usage and savings information, illustrated generally asEMUI 800, according to a further aspect of the disclosure. According toan aspect, EMUI 800 can include an energy usage/savings section 802,operable to display a current annual savings 804, a current monthlysavings 808, and a current demand response savings 808 realized by auser participating in demand response events. EMUI 800 can also includean estimated annual savings section 810, a managed vs. unmanaged energyconsumption graph 812, and a comparative consumption graph 814.According to an aspect, a user can select a comparison graph thatincludes a community graph configured to compare a user's energyconsumption to others in a residential community, a state comparisongraph configured to compare a user's energy consumption to others withina state, and a national graph configured to compare a user's energyconsumption to a current national average.

According to a further aspect, EMUI 800 can also include a daily usagegraph 816 configured to indicate energy consumption and savings on anhour-by-hour basis. For example, if a user selects a medium energysavings settings, daily usage graph can display a daily savings indollars, KWh or any combination thereof. Daily usage graph 816 canfurther include a graph indicated what the consumption would have beenif energy use was left unmanaged. According to a further aspect, dailyusage graph 816 can also include a day selector 818 configured to enablea user to select a day of the week to view energy consumption andsavings.

According to another aspect, EMUI 800 can also include a monthly usageand savings graph section 820 configurable to output monthly energyusage and savings information of each day of the month. For example, amonthly graph can include a daily, weekly, or other pairing bar graphconfigured to display a monthly energy usage and savings at aresidential site. A user can navigate between a month using monthselector 822 and a specific month's consumption and savings graph can bedisplayed. In some instances, only a portion of a specific month's datamay be available to be displayed. As such, only a portion of a graph maybe displayed as desired. According to a further aspect, monthly usageand savings graph section 820 can also include an link to access annualsavings as needed or desired.

According to another aspect, EMUI 800 can further be used to access anddisplay performance data of an adjacent home, a similar sized home, oneor more of the same or similar energy consuming devices (e.g. HVAC, hotwater heater, other smart appliances), or any combination thereof. EMUI800 can compare performance of each of the other residences and devices,and provide feedback to a user about the user's relative performance.For example, EMUI 800 can output a visual indication of power consumed,such as a graph, chart, etc. In other forms, a comparable residentialsite can also be displayed using EMUI 800. For example, a same orsimilar sized home can be used as a baseline comparison.

In other forms, EMUI 800 can be used to enable a user access to energyefficient devices and systems, and a user can forecast energy reductionand savings through use of an energy efficient system. As such, energyconsuming devices that may be introduced and have a greater efficiencyrating can be identified and communicated to a consumer. According toanother form, EMUI 800 can display a click-through or micro-site toallow a user to access third party product energy efficient offerings.In other forms, EMUI 800 can enable access to a “green energy”marketplace that will enable a user to review energy efficient productsand services. Such products and services can be selected by a user andassociated XML data, meta data, and the like can be fed into EMUI 800.EMUI 800 can be configured to use the third party data and refresh datadisplayed within EMUI 800 to display an estimated saving if used at theuser's residential site. As such, EMUI 800 can determine an estimate ofwhat energy savings may be for their residential site, allowing a userto make an informed purchase decision. For example, a user may wish toadd a solar array or other type of energy producing system to theirresidential site. EMUI 800 can be used to estimate the amount of energythat may be saved based on a user's actual historical energy use. Assuch, a payback period associated with purchasing can be displayed to aconsumer.

FIG. 9 illustrates an energy management user interface (EMUI) operableto access and edit user and site information, illustrated generally at900, according to a further aspect of the disclosure. EMUI 900 caninclude a user profile 902 configured to display and enable a user toedit changes to user information. User profile 902 can include a userselector 904 configurable to add and remove user's associate with asite, a user name field 906, an energy personality type field and/orindicia 908, a social network selector 910, a residential site address912, and a mobile number 914 associated with a residential site address912. According to a further aspect, user profile 902 can also include anenergy text message alert selector 916, a proximity detection selector918, and a current HVAC provider information field 920.

According to an aspect, user selector 904 can be configured to enable auser to select a user data to edit. For example, multiple users can beassociated with a residential site and a user's information can beaccessed by selecting user selector 904. In other forms, a user can loginto a web site or other application and may only be able to havelimited access to user specific data associated with a residential site.According to another aspect, user information selector 904 can be usedto add additional users to be associated with a residential site. Assuch, a master user or administrator login can form (not expresslyillustrated in FIG. 9) can be provided to manage user information. Insome aspects, a user profile 902 can include pre-populated informationto reduce the amount of information a user may need to input.Additionally, information associated with the residential site can beaccessed and used with the additional user as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, EMUI 900 can also include an energyprovider section 922 which can include retail, utility, or third partyenergy information. For example, a current energy provider can bedisplayed and a current energy rate and plan currently being used canalso be displayed. Energy provider section 922 can also indicate a bestrate plan at a current provider, and a best local rate available throughanother provider. Energy provider section 922 can also include a savingscalculator element 934 capable of initiating a savings calculation ofthe residential site using a best available rate of a current provider,other providers, or any combination thereof. Savings calculator element9434 can also use historical site data, scheduling data of theresidential site, forecasted energy consumption, future energy pricing,or various other EMI or any combination thereof to determine annualsavings. Site consumption can then be used to determine what an overallcost of energy would be when using a given rate plan. Other intervals(e.g. monthly, weekly, daily, etc.) can also be calculated as needed ordesired. As such, a user can identify a plan that would align with usagehabits and scheduling data at a residential site.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, EMUI 900 can alsoinclude a user posting and reviews section 924. User posting and reviewssection 926 can include a content selector 926 capable of selectingenergy blogs, green energy reviews, markets and the like. For example,as a user selects ‘My Energy Blogs,’ a list of energy blog titles can bedisplayed including a user energy blog 928 configured to enable a userto edit and publish their own energy blog. A user can publish theirenergy blog to an energy blog websites, social networks, third partysites, content providers, or any combination thereof. A third partyenergy blog 930 can also be listed within user posting and reviewssection 926 allowing third party bloggers, articles, content providers,RSS feeds, Twitter® Feeds, or any combination thereof, to providecontent. According to an aspect, a user can add a blog, news feed,social network, Twitter® account, etc. to user posting and reviewssection 926 as desired. User selector within user posting and reviewssection 924 can allow a user can to select between user contentassociated with a site and read/write/access privileges can be enabledand disabled accordingly.

According to a further aspect, user posting and reviews section 926 canalso include a ‘Green Energy Reviews’ section configured to reviewenergy saving products, environmentally friendly products, green energyproducing systems, or any combination thereof. User posting and reviewssection 926 can also include a ‘Markets’ section configured to enable auser to access green energy product websites or marketplaces havinggreen energy products. For example, a marketplace can be used toconsolidate available green energy products, such as smart appliances,and further identify third party pricing and websites selling greenenergy products. As such, a user can read reviews of new energy savingproducts and access the energy products using user posting and reviewssection 926. In some instances, EMUI 900 can be used to enableE-commerce between a posting site within markets section, green energyreviews section, retail energy providers, etc. allowing a firm hostingEMUI 900 to be paid a portion of revenue resulting from a sale.

FIG. 10 illustrates an energy management user interface (EMUI) operableto schedule energy use at a residential site, illustrated generally asEMUI 1000 according to a further aspect of the disclosure. EMUI 1000 maybe illustrated in association with managing one or more user schedules,thermostats, HVAC systems, zones, sites or any combination thereof. Inother forms, EMUI 1000 can be modified to schedule energy use of variousenergy consumption devices at a site as needed or desired. Additionally,portions or all of EMUI 1000 can be accessed using a computer systemcapable of accessing the Internet, can be configured as mobileapplication that can be used with a smart phone or handheld computer,tablet, and the like such as an I-Phone® device, a Blackberry® device,an Android® device, an IPad® or various other devices or systems, or anycombination thereof.

According to an aspect, EMUI 1000 includes a thermostat display 1002configured to enable a user to adjust a temperature of one or morethermostats located at a residential site. Thermostat display 1002 caninclude a date and time display, a thermostat selector 1004, and athermostat controller 1006. EMUI 1000 can also include a savingsselector 1008 configured to enable a user to select a low savings level,a medium savings level, or a high savings level. Savings selector 1008can be operably associated with an estimated savings display 1010 and ascheduling tool 1012. For example, a user can select a low savings usingsavings selector 1008 and an estimated savings can be calculated anddisplayed within estimated savings display 1010. According to a furtheraspect, a user can select a savings level using savings selector 1008.As such, resulting thermostat settings can be displayed withinscheduling tool 1012 thereby providing a user a visual indication of aresulting temperature setting. According to a further aspect, savingsselector 1008 can also be operably associated with scheduling tool 1012to display more than one temperature setting at a time. For example, alow savings may result in a temperature setting of sixty-five degrees, amedium savings may result in a temperature setting of sixty-eightdegrees, and a high savings level may result in a temperature setting ofseventy-four degrees. Various combinations of values and displaytechniques can be used as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can include aseasonal schedule capable of allowing a user to schedule energy usebased on a season (e.g. spring, summer, fall, winter). For example, afirst site may be located in a hot climate and a second site may belocated in a cold climate. As such, an air conditioner may be used morefrequently during the summer months in a hot climate and can beassociated with a schedule being displayed. A user can select between aseasonal schedule using scheduling tool 1012, and a schedule can beupdated accordingly to display a winter schedule. Various other seasonalschedules can be added and removed as needed or desired. In other forms,scheduling tool 1012 can be used to access a current operating mode ofan HVAC system and display a seasonal schedule in response to detectingan operating mode. For example, if an HVAC system may be operating in aheat mode, a winter schedule can be displayed. Other seasonal schedulescan also be displayed within scheduling tool 1012 as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can include acurrent inside and outside temperature display 1014, and a scheduleselector 1016 capable of displaying a user schedule of a first user, asecond user, a vacation schedule, or any combination of schedules. Forexample, a user may use scheduling tool 1012 to schedule energy use atmultiple sites. As such, scheduling tool can display a second siteassociated with a specific user. Additional schedules can be added asneeded or desired, and access privileges also can be set by a currentuser using user information profile such as user profile 902 illustratedin FIG. 9 or any other privileges or logic capable of setting accessprivileges.

According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can also include aweekly schedule display section 1018, and a time span display section1020 configured within a schedule 1022. Weekly schedule display 1018 canalso be configured to show current dates or a series of dates, and canfurther include forecasted weather conditions of each day. A user cannavigate to another week by selecting tab 1024 configurable to enable asubsequent weekly schedule to be displayed as desired. According tofurther aspect, schedule 1022 includes a plurality of cells generallyillustrated at scheduled events 1026 that can be modified as desired toschedule energy use. Schedule events 1026 can include a time intervaland setting of a network device, such as a thermostat, being scheduled.A cell can also include an indicator, such as ‘adapt?’ indicator 1028 toidentify an auto-schedule suggestion detected by an energy managementsystem operably associated with EMUI 1000. For example, when a user maybe at a site, a user may desire to have a temperature decreased toseventy eight degrees on Saturday prior to nine (9) P.M. As such, anauto-schedule suggestion can be detected and an adapt? indicator 1028can be displayed to enable a user to have a schedule adaptedautomatically. Adaption suggestions can be provided to users in otherways and need not be limited to being displaying within schedule 1022.

According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can also provide access to viewtemplates selector 1030 that can be used to schedule energy use. Forexample, view templates selector 1030 can be used to displaypredetermined schedules within scheduling tool 1012. A user can thenmodify portions of a selected template to their preference as needed ordesired. In other forms, a series of questions can be asked to a user todetermine a template to display. For example, scheduling tool 1012 canenable access to a short questionnaire to detect a user's day-to-dayschedule. For example, a user can be an urban professional, a housewife,a single parent, a soccer mom, an empty nester, or various otherdemographics. As such, EMUI 1000 can be adapted to hide scheduling tool1012 until a survey or series of questions is completed, and thendisplay a resulting schedule within scheduling tool 1012.

According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can be adapted to display alist of selectable templates and can allow a user to select and displayeach template. Upon identifying a template, a user can then save anidentified template as a user schedule. In some forms, a user's sitelocation can be determined in advance and templates can be generatedbased on a location of a site (e.g. warm climate vs. cold climate). Assuch, view templates can be generated based on a site profile, a userprofile, user characteristics, site data, or various other types of datacapable of being used to generate a template that can be used by a user.

According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can also include anadd addition time span selector 1034 configured to enable a user to addan additional time span within time span display section 1020.Scheduling tool 1012 can also include a view additional time slotselector 1032 configured to enable a user to scroll to additional timeslots that may be output using scheduling tool 1012. For example, a usercan select additional time slot selector 1032 and scheduling tool 1012can be updated to display scheduled events of each day simultaneously.In this manner, a user can scroll additional time slots and days of theweek as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can also include a proximitydetection selector 1036. For example, a user may enable proximitydetection using proximity detection selector 1036, and energy use at asite may be altered based on a users distance to the site. A user'smobile device number can be associated with a site and can allow a userto enable and disable proximity detection selector 1036. In some forms,proximity detection selector 1036 can be hidden, displayed, selectable,or any combination thereof in response to a user having a mobile devicecapable of being detected when a user is at or away from a site.

According to another aspect, EMUI 1000 can a energy alert text messageselector 1038 configured to enable a text message to be sent to a user'smobile device. For example, during a high energy use day, an energyaction day may be identified and a utility company or other entity maypublish a warning indicating that a high energy use day may beoccurring. As such, a user can receive a text message indicating thesituation. In some forms, a can respond to the text message and altertheir energy use schedule. For example, a user can respond to a requestto alter their energy savings setting from a medium to a high. As such,scheduling tool 1012 can be modified to initiate a high energy savingsschedule at a user's site. In other forms, energy alert text messageselector 1038 can be used to enable a user to receive demand responserequests via a text message. For example, a demand response request caninclude a requested time interval, new temperature setting, estimatedsavings, other demand response data, or any combination thereof within atext message. A user can then respond to the text message toparticipate, not participate, partially participate, or any combinationthereof. Upon responding, a user's schedule can be modified as needed ordesired.

According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can also include a vacationmode settings 1040 to enable a user to initiate use of a vacation modeor schedule. For example, vacation mode settings 1040 can include avacation mode selector 1042 to turn a vacation mode on or off. Vacationmode settings can also include a schedule leave date selector 1044 and aschedule return date selector 1046. A calendar (not expresslyillustrated in FIG. 10) can be displayed to enable a user to select aninterval of dates when they will be on vacation. As such, reduced energyuse can be realized by altering a temperature setting. For example, aschedule can be increased to a high energy saving mode in associationwith the vacation mode being selected. In other forms, a user may haveinput or selected a vacation schedule to be used when vacation mode maybe selected. Various combinations can be used as needed or desired.

During use, upon a user accessing EMUI 1000, EMUI 1000 can display acurrent date and time, and can further highlight a current cell withinscheduling tool 1012 that corresponds to a current data and time. A usercan select a thermostat to adjust using thermostat selector 1004, and aschedule of a selected thermostat can be displayed within schedulingtool 1012. A user can adjust a current set-point using thermostatcontroller 1006, and a corresponding temperature within a current cellcan be adjusted accordingly. In another form, a user can select a cellto be modified. For example, a user may want to modify a temperaturesetting or scheduled event set for Tuesday, between eight (8) A.M andfive (5) P.M. As such, a user can select the appropriate cell andfurther adjust a temperature up or down using thermostat controller1006. A new setting can be displayed within the selected cell. Accordingto a further aspect, a user can use savings selector 1008 to adjust asavings to be realized on a specific day. As such, a resultingtemperature setting can be displayed within a selected cell.

In other forms, a user can select a time span cell to adjust. Forexample, a user can modify a current time span cell by selecting aspecific cell. Upon selection of a specific cell, scheduling tool 1012can highlight which cells may be affected by modifying a time interval.A user can then modify an interval accordingly as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect, a user can select a day of the week tomodify. For example, a user can select ‘MON’ and a background color canbe altered to indicated that each of the MON cells can be modified. In aform, a user can update each cell as desired, can alter one or more, orall MON cells using savings selector 1008 as needed or desired.

According to another aspect, EMUI 1000 can be used to activate a one ormore schedules. For example, a first user schedule can be activated overa period of time and then a second user schedule can be activated overanother period of time. A user can also activate a vacation schedulethat include an scheduled events to optimize energy savings when nobodyis present at a site. In other forms, a first user schedule can becompared to a second user schedule, and events at a site can bescheduled accordingly. For example, a first user schedule may be activeduring an evening time and may override a second user schedule. In otherforms, a second user schedule may be activated in the morning toaccommodate an individual that may remain at home during the day. Assuch, EMUI 1000 can be used to generate multiple schedules toautomatically control energy use at a site as needed or desired.

According to an aspect, portions or all of EMUI 1000 can be provided asa hosted application that can allow a user to access site reports,historical consumption data, real-time consumption data, operatingstatus of energy consuming devices, control interface to control energyconsuming devices, a scheduling interface to schedule utilization andconsumption of energy, an inventory tool that will show real-time andhistoric energy consumption of each energy consumption device within thehome, or any combination thereof.

According to a further aspect, portions of all of EMUI 1000 can includea user interface that can report a current operating condition, and canfurther include control logic capable of providing a user access to asmart appliance or control system at a site. For example, if a demandresponse condition may be detected within an energy transmission system,EMUI 1000 can be used to output the condition to a user. A user can thenalter an operating status of one or more energy consuming devices at asite.

According to another aspect, a site can include multiple users that canaccess and control settings at a site using EMUI 1000. Additionally, asite can include multiple thermostats that can be managed remotely andcontrolled by a user. For example, a thermostat in the upper portion ofa home can be displayed via a web browser or application on an mobiledevice such as a Blackberry®, I-Phone®, Android®, I-Pad® and the like. Auser can select a thermostat using thermostat selector 1004, and adjustthe thermostat to a first setting. In some forms, the thermostatsettings may have a different effect on the actual temperature withinvarious portions of the home. As such, a user may want to select thedesired temperature within at a site, and EMUI 1000 can be used tocalculate thermostat settings to achieve the desired temperature. Inanother form, EMUI 1000 can be used with an energy management systemsuch as energy management system 600 in FIG. 6, or other systems. Athermal response of a zone, room, site, or any portion thereof can bedetermined and setting of one or more thermostats can be automaticallydetermined to achieve a desired temperature.

In other forms, EMUI 1000 can be used in association with various typesof EMI data. For example, various EMI data such as current andforecasted weather data, grid conditions, real-time pricing data, gridcongestions conditions, forecasted demand, or any combination thereof ofEMI data can be used to determine a setting recommendation that a usercan select. In this manner, a user's lifestyle and preferences can bealigned with the real-time and forecasted conditions allowing a user tomake informed energy consumption decisions.

FIG. 11 illustrates a diagram of a network device, illustrated generallyas wireless thermostat 1100, according to an aspect of the disclosure.Wireless thermostat 1100 can be used in association with an energymanagement system, mobile device, energy management user interface, orvarious other devices, systems, or any combination thereof.

Wireless thermostat 1100 can include a outside temperature display 1102,a weather forecast display 1104, and an inside temperature display 1106.Wireless thermostat 1100 can also include a thermostat setting display1108, a temperature increase input 1110, and a temperature decreaseinput 1112. Various type of display technology having single color,multicolor, or any combination thereof can be used with wirelessthermostat 1100, including, but not limited to LED displays, TFTdisplays, OLED displays, LCD displays, flexible lighting displays, orany combination thereof.

According to an aspect, wireless thermostat 1100 can also include a modeswitch 1114 and indicators 1116 configured to identify a mode. Forexample, mode switch 1114 can be placed off, heat mode, air conditionmodel, or fan mode. An associated indicator above each mode withinsetting display 1116 can be illuminated in connection with an operatingmode setting. In other forms, indicators 1116 can be placed behind anassociated text and illuminated to indicate a current mode. For example,wireless thermostat 1100 can include a thin material that can allow abacklight, such as LED lighting to illuminate and show text. In anotherform, mode switch 1114 can include a push button or toggle switch toenable a back light to display and select a mode. Various other inputand display methods or combinations thereof can be used.

According to a further aspect, wireless thermostat 1100 can also includea smart thermostat settings 1118. Smart thermostat settings 1118 can beprogrammable settings that can display a proximity mode 1122, a vacationmode 1124, and a smart energy mode 1126. Smart thermostat settings 1118can be displayed based on a capability of a site, a current operatingmode of wireless thermostat 1100, a setting within a energy managementuser interface such as EMUI 1100 and the like, an operating mode of amobile device, a location of a mobile device, an operating mode ofanother network device accessible to an energy network, or various othercombinations of operating modes or settings accessible to wirelessthermostat 1118. For example, a user may want to activate proximitydetection to control wireless thermostat 1100 (and possible othernetwork devices) using proximity mode 1122. As such, a user can activateproximity mode accordingly. In other forms, a user may be going onvacation and can activate vacation mode 1122. In another form, a usermay activate a smart energy mode 1126, and an energy schedule providedby EMUI 1100, associated settings, and the like can be deployed.

According to another aspect, wireless thermostat 1100 can include ahousing 1130 can having a material that can detect when a user toucheswireless thermostat 1100. For example, housing 1130 can be operablycoupled to a heat sensor, capacitive sensor, and the like configured todetect when a user touches a portion of housing 1130. Upon detecting auser contacting housing 1130, one or more displays or indicators ofwireless thermostat 1100 may illuminate. In this manner, energy consumedby wireless thermostat 1100 can be realized by changing one or moredisplays from a sleep state to a display state. According to a furtheraspect, a portion or all of housing 1130 can include a material such asa concealing material that can include characteristics such astransparency, translucency, semi-transparency, semi-translucency,opaqueness, other types of light altering material, or any combinationthereof capable of hiding one or more displays or indicators of wirelessthermostat 1100. For example, a backlight or LED can illuminate at asurface of wireless thermostat 1100 giving an appearance of having thedisplay at or near a front surface of housing 1130. As such, housing1130 with a concealing material can be mounted on a wall or otherlocation without having readings or settings persistently beingdisplayed using a display or other indicators.

According to an aspect, temperature control mechanisms 1110 and 1112 caninclude a mechanism (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 11) that canallow housing 1130 to rock or shift left and right as a user contactsmechanisms 1110 or 1112. Other orientations can also be used. Forexample, wireless thermostat 1100 can mounted to a wall surface (notexpressly illustrated in FIG. 11), and a user can contact a temperatureincrease mechanism 1110. Housing 1130 would rock slightly to the right.In another form, at least a portion of housing 1130 can include a switchmechanism similar to a mouse of a computer system that provides aclicking sound or a mechanical feedback when temperature controlmechanisms 1110 or 1112 are engaged or touched. As such, a user canrealize a visual change of display 1108, and can further be provided amechanical feedback of a switching mechanism upon activation of aswitching mechanism. Various other orientations to rotate housing (e.g.up/down, left/right, etc.) can be realized as needed or desired.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a network device, illustratedgenerally as a wireless thermostat 1200, according to another aspect ofthe disclosure. Wireless thermostat 1200 be used with wirelessthermostat 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 above or various other devices,systems, or any combination thereof described herein. Wirelessthermostat 1200 can include a temperature and humidity sensors 1202, andone or more I/O devices 1204 to allow a user to provide an input towireless thermostat 1200. For example, I/O device 1204 can enable a usercan to select a mode (e.g. off, A/C, Heat, Fan, etc.), a smart energymode (e.g. proximity, vacation, smart schedule, etc.), or various otherfeatures or combinations of features. Wireless thermostat 1200 can alsoinclude a power interface 1206, and a bus interface 1208. Wirelessthermostat 1200 can also include a processor or controller 1210, and oneor more control relays 1212 to control a remote unit such as an HVACunit, heat pump, other appliances, or any combination thereof.

According to a further aspect, wireless thermostat 1200 can also includea one or more wireless devices 1214 capable of communicating with one ormore associated wireless networks, a memory 1216, and a displayinterface 1218. Display interface 1218 can be configured to engage oneor more LCD displays, touch screens, one or more LEDs, or various otherdisplay technologies illustrated generally as display 1222. Wirelessthermostat 1200 can also include a precision measurement unit (PMU) 1220configured to measure consumed by an associated network device, and aprofile module 1224 that can include network protocol configurationdata, user profile data, device data, seasonal profile data, or variousother types of data that can be accessed during use of wirelessthermostat 1200. According to an aspect, wireless thermostat 1200 is anon-programmable thermostat that does not include an enabledprogrammable thermostat scheduling feature accessible by a user engagingwireless thermostat 1200. As such, a limited amount of schedulingfunctionality is needed or desired within wireless thermostat 1200 and auser can use a scheduling tool such as EMUI 1000 or various otherfeatures provided herein to enable and disable use of wirelessthermostat 1200.

FIG. 13 includes a block diagram of an energy management system,illustrated generally at 1300, according to a further aspect of thedisclosure. Energy management system 1300 can be deployed at residentialsite 1302 and can include an energy management apparatus or controller1302. Controller 1302 can include portions or all of controller 400described in FIG. 4 or any other type of system, device, apparatus, orany combination thereof capable of deploying controller 1302.

According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include an applicationprogram interface 1306 operably coupled to a processor or logic (notexpressly illustrated in FIG. 13) of controller 1302. Controller 1302can include a communication interface 1306 a wireless device 1308configured to access a first network 1314, a wireless device 1310configured to access a second network 1318, and a wireless device 1312configured to access a third network 1322. Controller 1302 can alsoinclude a network device 1330 such as an Ethernet or other wirelinecommunication device capable of access an information network such as aLAN, WAN, the Internet, and the like.

According to a further aspect, first network 1314 can be communicativelycoupled to a smart meter/AMI device 1316. According to another aspect,second network 1318 can be communicatively coupled to a wirelessthermostat (TSTAT) 1320. According to a further aspect, third network1322 can be coupled to a mobile device 1324. According to an aspect,mobile device 1324 can include a smart phone device such as aBlackberry®, I-Phone®, Android® and the like, a laptop computer system,a Netbook, an IPad®, or any other type of mobile device.

During use, controller 1302 can be used to communicate information fromvarious networks to a wireless energy network to manage one or morenetwork device connected to a wireless energy network. For example,second network 1318 can be configured as a wireless energy networkcapable of enabling communication with a network device such as TSTAT1320. Information can be received from information network 1332, andprocessed by controller 1302 and output to TSTAT 1320 using API 1306 andcommunication interface 1306. In other forms, information can becommunicated from mobile device 1324 to controller 1302 using thirdnetwork 1322 that may be different from second network 1318. Controller1302 can detect information communicated from mobile device 1324 andoutput information to TSAT 1320 using second network 1318 to TSTAT 1320.As such, controller 1302 can provide a network bridge to enableinformation communicated between various different types of networks.

According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include application programinterface 1306 configured to use at least a portion of an incomingmessage communicated from an information network, an informationnetwork, a utility network or any combination thereof. For example, anincoming message can include at least a portion of a user energymanagement schedule. Controller 1302 can initiate altering use of aresource in response to detecting a portion of the first user energymanagement schedule. For example, a schedule can include altering athermostat, lights, smart appliances, etc. Communication interface 1306can further be operably coupled to application program interface 1306and configured to communicate information using a wireless device.

For example, communication interface 1306 can communicate with wirelessdevice 1310 capable of accessing a second network 1318 operable as awireless energy network. Although illustrated as a single communicationinterface, communication interface can be provided as multiplecommunication interfaces, a single communication interface, as amulti-network communications interface, or any combination thereof. Assuch, multiple networks can be accessed and communicated with as neededor desired. For example, wireless device 1312 can be configured tocommunicate using a WIFI enable communication protocol and wirelessdevice 1310 can be configured to communicate using a Zigbee enabledcommunication protocol.

According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include wireless device 1312configured as a WIFI enabled communication device operably coupledcommunication interface 1306 and third network 1322 operable as a WIFInetwork. Application program interface 1306 can be configured to receivean energy management schedule communicated using an incoming messagereceived from third network 1322 as an incoming WIFI message. As such,an energy management schedule or other EMI data can be communicated froma WIFI enabled device, such as mobile device 1324 or other devices.Controller 1302 can then use application program interface 1306 toprocess the energy management schedule and initiate control actions to anetwork device accessible to an energy network.

According to another aspect, controller 1302 can receive an first energymanagement schedule using a first network, and receive a second energymanagement schedule using a second network. For example, a first energyschedule can be received using network device 1330 and can include afirst user energy schedule data. A second energy schedule can bereceived using third network 1322 operable as a WIFI network. Forexample, a user of mobile device 1324 can provide scheduling data,control data, or various other energy management scheduling data.Controller 1302 can then use portions of each schedule as needed ordesired, and initiate control actions using second network 1318 operableas a wireless home energy network. For example, second network 1318 canbe configured as a Zigbee enabled network. As such, multiple networkshaving scheduling information can be accessed and scheduling data ofmultiple users can be used to control network devices accessible to anenergy network.

According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include output controlactions that have been received from more than one network to control anetwork device accessible to an energy network. For example, wirelessdevice 1312 can be configured to receive control action data from thirdnetwork 1322 operable as a WIFI enabled network. Control action data canbe provided in association with a first user schedule using mobiledevice 1324. Controller 1302 can further receive a second control actiondata from associated with a second user schedule, such as a utilityschedule. Second control action data or a second user energy managementschedule can be communicated using first network 1314 configured as anAMI enabled network and smart meter/AMI interface 1316. Controller 1302can then detect whether to use the second control action prior to thefirst control action.

According to another aspect, control action data of multiple userschedules can be communicated using communication interface 1306provided as multiple communication interfaces. For example, wirelessdevice 1312 can include a communication interface accessible toapplication program interface 1306. Additionally, wireless device 1310can include a communication interface accessible to application programinterface 1306. As such multiple communication interfaces can bedeployed to communicate control action data of one or more user energymanagement schedule.

According to a further aspect, application program interface 1306 can beused to initiate use of a first control action of a first user energymanagement schedule prior to using a first control action of a seconduser energy management schedule prior to the first user energymanagement schedule. For example, a second user energy managementschedule can include one or more control action that can have a higherpriority that a first user energy management schedule. As such,controller 1302 and application program interface 1306 can initiate acontrol action as needed or desired based on a priority.

According to a further aspect, controller 1302 can initiate a controlaction or energy management schedule in response to a distance anassociated mobile device 1324 may be from site 1304. For example, afirst user energy management schedule may be deployed as a first userhaving mobile device 1324 may be located at or near site 1302. As mobiledevice 1324 moves away from site 1302 (e.g. one mile, three miles,etc.), a second user energy management schedule can be initiated andused by controller 1302. In this manner, proximity detection of mobiledevice 1324 can be used to initiate a second user energy schedule.

According to another aspect, mobile device 1324 can output schedulingdata, control action data, energy management data, and the like usingthird network 1322 configured as a WIFI enabled network. For example,mobile device 1324 can include a application or scheduling logic capableof initiating a user energy management schedule. Mobile device 1324 canencode or output control action data, and communicate the control actiondata, scheduling data, and the like using a WIFI protocol and messagingformat.

According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include detect when mobiledevice 1324 may be connected to third network 1322 and modify operationof a network device accessible to controller 1302. For example, mobiledevice 1324 can be coupled to third network 1322 operable as a WIFInetwork, or other network capable of being deployed at site 1304. Asmobile device 1324 moves away from site 1304 and a network connection tothird network 1322 may be altered, controller 1302 can detect a changein connectivity (e.g. weak signal, signal is lost, connection switchesto another hub, station, controller, and the like) to third network1322, a connection status of wireless device 1312 can be output tocommunication interface 1306 and accessed by application programinterface 1306. As such, controller 1302 can detect whether to alter useof a resource or network device accessible to controller 1302. Forexample, mobile device 1324 may be connected to third network 1322 usinga WIFI connection. As a WIFI connection is altered, controller 1302 caninitiate altering an operating condition of a resources such as TSTAT1320, one or more wireless devices 1308, 1310, 1312, or various otherresources accessible to controller 1302. For example, if a second usermay be located at site 1304, a second user energy management schedulethat may be different from the first user energy management schedule canbe deployed. For example, a first portion of a second energy managementschedule of a second user can be enabled in response to the operatingstatus of the resource,

According to another aspect, wireless device 1312 that may have beenconfigured to be coupled to third network 1322 can be placed in areduced operating condition to save power consumed by controller 1302.In another form, proximity detection of mobile device 1324 can beinitiated to detect a location of mobile device 1324 when a WIFIconnection or other connection is altered. Additionally, mobile device1324 may also alter an operating condition by disabling a WIFIconnection to third network 1322. Mobile device 1324 can also initiatelocation reporting of mobile device 1324, and controller 1302 can alteran operating condition of a network device or resource in response tomobile device 1324 being at a distance from site 1304.

According to another aspect, mobile device 1324 may be configured toenable access to TSTAT 1320 using a network connection 1330 that caninclude one or more wireless communication protocols. For example, anetwork device such as TSAT 1320 can be coupled to mobile device 1324using a WIFI connection, Bluetooth connection, or various other forms ofwireless communication. Upon connecting to TSTAT 1320, mobile device1324 can be used to alter and operating condition of TSTAT 1320. Assuch, mobile device 1324 having energy management capabilities can beused to alter an operating condition of TSTAT 1320, various othernetwork devices at site 1304, or any combination thereof. For example,mobile device 1324 can include an energy management scheduling tool,such as portions or all of EMUI 1000 described in FIG. 10, to providecontrol inputs and scheduling data directly to TSTAT 1320. As such,controller 1302 may not be available to output control actions (e.g. anetwork connection may be lost, etc.), or mobile device 1324 may havepriority over controller 1302 to provide control inputs or energymanaging scheduling information to TSTAT 1320.

According to a further aspect, TSTAT 1320 can receive an input andcommunicate status information, operating conditions, control actions,or any combination thereof to a network resource, controller 1302,mobile device 1423, smart meter/AMI 1316, or any other device, system,or apparatus, or any combination thereof. According to an aspect, TSTAT1302 can detect is a user altered an operating condition (e.g. changemode, altered smart energy settings, etc.) and can communicate anoperating status change. In another form, TSTAT 1320 can alter anoperating status of another network device in response to an input toTSTAT 1320. For example, a user may place TSTAT 1320 in a vacationoperating mode. As such, TSTAT 1320 can output an updated status toanother network device, controller 1302, mobile device 1324, or othernetwork devices. For example, a second TSTAT may be located at site 1304(not expressly illustrated in FIG. 13), and placed in a vacationoperating mode using a signal output by TSTAT 1320. In other forms,controller 1302, mobile device 1324, or any combination thereof can beused to alter the operating condition of the second TSTAT as needed ordesired.

FIG. 14 illustrates a collaborative demand response system (CDRS),illustrated generally at 1400, according to an aspect of the disclosure.CDRS 1400 can include a server 1402 operably coupled to an informationsource such as a database 1404. According to a further aspect, server1402 can include portions or all of server 602 illustrated in FIG. 6, orany other server capable of being deployed with CDRS 1400. According tofurther aspect, database 1404 can include site data 1406, user profiledata 140, performance data 1410, or various other types of EMI data thatcan be used in association with CDRS 1400 as needed or desired.According to another aspect, CDRS 1400 can also include access to one ormore external data source 1412. CDRS 1400 can also interface with anenergy buyer/auction 1414 capable of buying available capacity of CDRS1400.

According to a further aspect, CDRS 1402 can include a monitor 1416, aclient interface 1418, and a site interface 1420. According to anaspect, client interface 1418 can be coupled to a first mobile device1422, a second mobile device 1424, a client system 1426, or anycombination thereof. For example, client interface 1418 can beconfigured as a mobile client interface operable to communicateinformation using a mobile network. In other forms, client interface1418 can be coupled to a client system 1426 using an information networksuch as the Internet.

According to another aspect, CDRS 1402 can include site interface 1420configured to interface with multiple sites. For example, site interface1420 can be operably associated with first site 1428 and mobile device1422. In other forms, site interface 1420 can be operably associatedwith second site 1430 and mobile device 1424. Site interface 1420 canalso be operably associated with third site 1423 and client system 1426.Various other combinations can also be used with CDRS 1400.

During use, CDRS 1400 can be used to determine a desire by an owner of asite to participate in a demand response event. Server 1402 and monitor1416 can detect a current or future demand response initiative to bedeployed at a specific time. Server 1402 can detect an availability ofcapacity in a specific region, and initiate an inquiry with a siteowner, user, administrator, etc. According to an aspect, a text message,email message or other form of electronic or wireless messaging can beinitiated to detect a desire by a user to participate. Server 1402 canaccess site data 106 associated with a specific site to detect if a usermay have a default setting to participate. In other forms, a user a usermay have set a preference to be contacted via email or text message. Assuch, server 1402 can initiate a message and detect a desire by one ormore users to participate.

According to a further aspect, server 1402 can access performance dataof each site elected to participate in a demand response event. Forexample, historical site data of a site can be stored within database1404, and performance of a participating site can be determined asperformance data 1410. According to an aspect, other EMI data can beaccessed from database 1404, external data source 1412, or anycombination thereof and used to determine performance of a site. Forexample, current and future weather conditions can be used to determineperformance of a site. Taking weather conditions into consideration,along with a thermal response or characteristic of a site, a capacity toreduce energy can be determined on a site by site basis. The overall oraggregate capacity and desire to participate can be sold to a thirdparty, monetized by an owner of CDRS 1400, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 15 illustrates a demand scheduling system (DDS), illustratedgenerally at 1500, according to an aspect of the disclosure. DSS 1500can include a server 1502 operably coupled to an information source suchas a database 1504. According to a further aspect, server 1502 caninclude portions or all of server 602 illustrated in FIG. 6, or anyother server capable of being deployed with DDS 1500. According to anaspect, database 1504 can include site data 1506, site schedule data1508, performance data 1510, or various other types of EMI data that canbe used in association with DSS 1500 as needed or desired. According toanother aspect, DSS 1500 can also include access to one or more externaldata sources 1512. DSS 1500 can also interface with an utility company,COOP, retail energy provider, or various other energy providers, or anycombination thereof, using one or more utility schedule interface 1514.According to an aspect, utility scheduling interface 1514 can be astandard interface however in other forms, utility scheduling interface1514 can include a custom interface configurable to engage an existingenergy company's information network, infrastructure, database, orvarious other components that can be used by an energy provider toaccess DDS 1500.

According to a further aspect, DSS 1502 can include an aggregate demandmodule 1516, a client interface 1518, a site interface 1520, or anycombination thereof. According to an aspect, client interface 1518 canbe coupled to a first mobile device 1522, a second mobile device 1524, aclient system 1526, or any combination thereof. For example, clientinterface 1518 can be configured as a mobile client interface operableto communicate information using a mobile network. In other forms,client interface 1518 can be coupled to a client system 1526 using aninformation network such as the Internet.

According to another aspect, DSS 1502 can include site interface 1520configured to interface with multiple sites. For example, site interface1520 can be operably associated with a first site 1528 that can beassociated with mobile device 1522. In other forms, site interface 1520can be operably associated with a second site 1530 and mobile device1524. Site interface 1520 can also be operably associated with thirdsite 1532 and client system 1526. Various other combinations can also beused with DSS 1502.

During use, server 1502 can use EMI data to forecast energy use at sites1528, 1530, and 1532. For example, each site can include site scheduledata 1508 stored within database 1504. For example, EMUI 1000 or anotherscheduling tool can be used to schedule energy use at a site. Site 1508schedule data can be used to determine what energy use may be on asite-by-site basis. An aggregate demand of a specific region, zip code,substation, grid location, etc. can also be detected. Aggregate demandmodule 1516 can then detect what an aggregate level of demand andscheduled demand can then be communicated to a utility company as neededor desired. In this manner, scheduling data that may not have beentraditionally accessible on a site by site basis can be used to detectenergy demand and schedule energy production. For example, residentialsites traditionally use non-programmable and programmable thermostatsthat do not allow for determining schedules on a site by site basis. DSS1500 can enable access to scheduling data of each residential site todetermine an aggregate demand schedule.

According to an aspect, server 1502 can access performance data of eachsite to determine scheduled energy demand. For example, historical sitedata of a site can be stored within database 1504, and performance of aparticipating site can be determined as performance data 1510. Accordingto an aspect, other EMI data can be accessed from database 1504,external data source 1512, or any combination thereof and used todetermine performance of a site. For example, current and future weatherconditions can be used to determine performance of a site. Takingweather conditions into consideration, along with a thermal response orcharacteristic of a site, a capacity to reduce energy can be determinedon a site by site basis. The overall or aggregate demand can be used bythe owner of DSS 1500 or communicated to a third party on a contractualbasis as needed or desired.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method of managing energy at a site according toan aspect of the disclosure. Portions or all of the method of FIG. 16can be used with portions or all of the energy management systems,devices, or apparatuses disclosed herein, or any other type of system,controller, device, module, processor, or any combination thereof,operable to employ all, or portions of, the method of FIG. 16.Additionally, the method can be embodied in various types of encodedlogic including software, firmware, hardware, or other forms of digitalstorage mediums, computer readable mediums, or logic, or any combinationthereof, operable to provide all, or portions, of the method of FIG. 16.

The method begins generally at block 1600. At block 1602, an acquisitioninterval to acquire network device data can be detected. For example,network device data can be acquired using a wireless energy networkhaving one or more network devices accessible to the wireless energynetwork. For example, a wireless energy network can include varioustypes of wireless networks configured to communicated information tomanage energy use of a network devices accessible to the wirelessnetwork. For example, a wireless energy network can include one or moreof any combination or portion of, IEEE 802.15-based wirelesscommunication, Zigbee communication, INSETEON communication, X10communication protocol, Z-Wave communication, Bluetooth communication,WIFI communication, IEEE 802.11-based communication, WiMAXcommunication, IEEE 802.16-based communication, various proprietarywireless communications, or any combination thereof.

At decision block 1604, the method can detect whether an acquisitioninterval may be updated. For example, an acquisition interval can be setto a first interval (such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 10 minutes etc.), andcan then be altered to another interval. According to an aspect, anacquisition interval can be altered in response to a distance a mobiledevice may be from a site. For example, as a user moves away from asite, an acquisition interval can be increased (e.g. changed from 1minute to 3 minutes). Similarly, as a mobile device move towards a site,an acquisition interval can be decreased (e.g. changed from 3 minutes to1 minute). Various combinations of intervals can be used as needed ordesired. If at decision block 1604 an acquisition interval has beenupdated, the method can proceed to block 1606 and an updated intervalcan be obtained. If at decision block 1604 an acquisition interval hasnot been changed, the method can proceed to block 1608.

According to an aspect, at block 1608, device data can be acquired. Forexample, device data can be obtained by sending a request to one or morenetwork devices joined to a wireless energy network. For example,multiple devices can be accessed at an acquisition interval to obtaindevice data. Device data can be provided in various forms and types ofinformation. According to an aspect, device data can include a deviceidentifier, a network identifier, operation data, security data, variousother types of data that can be used to manage energy use, or anycombination thereof. According to a further aspect, device data can beformatted based on a wireless communication protocol (e.g. Zigbee, WIFI,WiMax, etc.) being deployed as the wireless energy network.

According to another aspect, the method can be modified to detect anavailability of one or more network devices. For example, a firstnetwork device may be accessible to a wireless energy network and mayuse a first device profile to communicate information using the wirelessenergy network. Additionally, a second network device may be accessibleto the wireless energy network and may use a second device profile thatmay be different from the first.

Upon acquiring device data from one or more network devices, the devicedata can be translated at step 1610. For example, the device data may beformatted using a device profile, communication protocol, or variousother formats to communicate device data using a wireless energynetwork. At block 1610, device data can be translated into anotherformat to use by another system, process, device, etc. other than thewireless energy network. For example, Zigbee formatted data can betranslated into XML encoded data. According to another aspect, devicedata can be translated to an data object, such as a Java object and thelike. Various other translations can also be used.

The method can then proceed to block 1612 and a report interval can bedetected. According to an aspect, a report interval can include aninterval that may be the same as the acquisition interval, greater thanthe acquisition interval, or less than the acquisition interval.According to a particular aspect, the report interval can be twice aslong as the acquisition interval. As such, exact timing of when toacquire device data can be obviated as at least one data acquisition maybe available to generate a report.

At decision block 1614, if a report interval should not be updated, themethod can proceed to block 1618 as described below. If a reportinterval should be updated, the method can proceed to block 1616 and anupdated report interval may be obtained. According to an aspect, areport interval can be provided using a data acquisition interval. Forexample, a report interval can be updated in association with anacquisition interval being updated. In other forms, a report intervalcan be provided and updated without an acquisition interval beingupdated. Various combinations of updating a report interval, acquisitioninterval, or any combination thereof can be used. Upon updating a reportinterval, the method can proceed to block 1618.

According to an aspect, at block 1618 report data can be generated. Forexample, report data can include data that can be provided within a sitereport and can be formatted in various ways. For example, report datacan include a XML encoded data, Java objects, textual data or variouscombinations thereof. According to an aspect, network device data can beconverted to a binary representation. For example, to reduce the amountof information to be communicated, a binary representation can includeone or more binary bits within a data field that can represent portionsor all of the network device data. According to a further aspect, reportdata can be stored on a device basis until a site report can begenerated.

Upon generating report data, the method can proceed to block 1620 andgenerates a site report. For example, a site report can include datareceived from one or more network devices. In another form, site reportdata can include data from another source, device, network, or anycombination thereof capable of providing data that can be used within asite report. For example, a home controller may include a data and timesetting based on a current time zone. A network device may not have acurrent or updated date and time stamp provided with the network devicedata. As such, a current date and time stamp can be provided with thesite report data. In other forms, data obtained from another source(e.g. WIFI network, AMI network, WiMax network, etc.) can be providedwithin a site report. For example, a site report can include networkdevice data that includes a thermostat or HVAC system being placed in an‘on’ condition. Additionally, an AMI network can be accessed to detect acurrent energy consumption level, rate, price, savings or various othertypes of information that can be provided using an AMI network. The AMInetwork data can be combined with the network device data within a sitereport. As such, subsequent processing of site reports can includeadditional information that can be processed into a rite report tomanage and report energy use at a site. Other types and combinations ofEMI data from various network locations can be included within a sitereport as needed or desired.

Upon generating a site report, the method can proceed to block 1622 anda network connection can be initiated. For example, a rested webservices approach to making a network connection can be deployed torealize increased network security at a site. For example, a homecontroller can be used to initiate a network connection using a LAN,broadband network, wireless data network, WiMax network, WIFI network,or various other networks or combinations of networks. A specificnetwork location can be accessed on a secure basis using SSL or otherencryption methods. At decision block 1624, if a network may not beavailable, the method can proceed to block 1626 and store the sitereport until the network may become available. The method can thenproceed to block 1608 as described herein. If at decision block 1624 anetwork location may be available, the method can proceed to block 1630and initiates a transfer of a site report. According to an aspect, ifmultiple site reports are available, the method can initiate a transferof the multiple site reports.

Upon initiating transfer of the site reports, the method can proceed toblock 1632 and can initiate processing site report data at a networklocation. For example, a network location can include a serverconfigured to process site report data and store site report data withina database. Additional processing of the data can be realized as neededor desired. For example, server 602 described in FIG. 6 includes severalmodules that can be used to process site report data.

Upon initiating processor of site report data, the method can processedto decision block 1634 to detect if a control action may be available.For example, a control action field or flag associated with a specificsite and one or more network devices can be provided within a databaseor other storage location. In another form, one or more binary valuescan be used to indicate if control action data be available. If controlaction may be available, the method can proceed to block 1636 and acontrol action can be received. For example, a control action can becommunicated during a session and can include one or more actionsassociated with a network device accessible at a site. According to anaspect, a control action can be encoded based on a profile, (e.g. ZigbeeProfile, Smart Energy Profile, Home Automation, etc.). In other forms, acontrol action can be formatted as XML encoded data, HTML encoded data,proprietary data format, or any combination thereof.

Upon receiving a control action at block 1636, or if a control actionmay not be available, the method can proceed to decision block 1638 anddetects if an interval should be updated. For example, a acquisitioninterval, report interval, or any combination thereof can be available.If an interval should be updated, the method can proceed to block 1640and one or more intervals can be received and updated. According to anaspect, if an interval may be updated, an update flag can be set toindicate a new or updated interval can be used. In other forms, acurrent interval field can be updated with a new interval value. If atdecision block 1638, an interval may not be updated, the method canproceed to decision block 1642 as described below.

According to an aspect, at decision block 1642 the method can detect ifan update may be available. For example, an update can include one ormore new or updated profiles that can be used at a site in associationwith an energy network. In another form, a software or firmware updatecan be available to update a network device, home controller, or variousother systems, apparatuses, methods, devices, or any combination thereofthat can be used at a site. If an update may be available, the methodcan proceed to block 1644 and a method can be received and processed atblock 1646 as needed or desired. According to an aspect, an update maybe available at another network location. As such, the method can bemodified to include an update available flag or data, and anothernetwork location can be accessed to receive an update. If at decisionblock 1642 an update may not be available, the method can proceed toblock 1648 as needed or desired.

According to an aspect, at block 1648, the method can disconnect from anetwork location and proceed to block 1650. If a control action may havebeen received, the method can processor the control action data, andproceed to block 1652 to detect a control action within the controlaction data. According to an aspect, a control action can includevarious combinations of actions such as obtaining or reading anoperating status or value of one or more network device attributes,altering an operating condition of network device, updating an operatingschedule of a network device, or various other control actions as neededor desired. In another form, control action data can be stored within amemory and deployed based on a schedule. As such, a period of time (e.g.twelve hours, twenty four hours, etc.) can be stored and deployed in theevent of a information network failure at a site.

Upon detecting control action data, the method can proceed to block 1654and can process control action data. For example, if control action datashould be stored, the method can store control action data and deploy ata later time. In another form, control action data can be processed intoa format that can be used to output network device data. For example,control action data can be processed into one or more JAVA objects, XMLfiles, or other formats to include a received control action data of aspecific device. According to an aspect, a network device can include aspecific profile to access features of a network device. As such,control action data can be processed based on a specific profile.

Upon processing control action data, the method can proceed to block1656 and the processed control action data can be generated into networkdevice data. For example, a network may be deployed to provide an energynetwork at a site. As such, a protocol to communicate device data asnetwork device data can be deployed. In other forms, a communicationdevice can be coupled to a USB port, UART port, SPI port, other buses,or combinations thereof. As such, control action data can be formattedinto a format that can be communicated using a specific bus having awireless network device or module coupled to a bus. For example, forexample. At block 1656 network device data can be formatted to becommunicated using a USB bus having Zigbee communication module coupledto the USB bus. In other forms, a network device, such as a wirelessWIFI device can be coupled to a UART bus and accessed to output controlaction data. Upon generating network device data, the method can proceedto block 1658 and the network device data can be output to acommunication module that can output the control action data to thenetwork device. The method can then proceed to block 1660, and to block1602 as needed or desired.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure and include aninstallation system and method configured to install a system at a site.For example, FIG. 6 described herein includes controller 626 andthermostat 628 installed at a site 604. Installation can includecontroller 626 including a serial number (not expressly illustrated inFIG. 6), or other unique identifier. Thermostat 628 can also include aserial number (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6) or other uniqueidentifier. Upon a user or agent installing controller 626, anidentifier of controller 626, thermostat 628, or any combinationthereof, can be communicated to server 602 to authenticate site 604 andenable energy management at site 604.

According to another aspect, an installation can include controller 626requesting a list of valid identifiers of one or more network devicesthat can be installed at site 604. For example, controller 626 canreceive a list of one or more valid network devices that may beinstalled at site 604, and can validate one or more installed devices.For example, controller 626 can detect a network device accessible usingan energy network deployed at site 604. A network device can communicatean identifier and controller 626 can detect whether the communicatedidentifier may be within the list communicated by server 602. As such,an agent that may have an inventory of network devices, controllers, orany combination thereof can install a controller and a network devicewithout having to determine a valid serial number.

According to a further aspect, an installation can include using amobile device including installation logic, one or more applications,settings, or any combination thereof. For example, mobile device 632illustrated in FIG. 6 or other mobile devices or systems can be used toinstall portions or all of an energy management system at site 604. Forexample, a user can deploy an energy management application on mobiledevice 632 and can input a serial number or other identifier to into anenergy management application. In this manner, a user may modify networkdevices installed at site 604 by for example, adding new devices,updating new devices, deleting current devices, receiving softwareupdates using a serial number of an installed device, or variouscombinations thereof. According to a further aspect, an installation,settings, and the like can include prompting a user to use a GPSlocation in connection with an installation and site 604. As such, auser need not type in an address and can just select a current locationto associate mobile device 632 and site 604.

According to another aspect, an installation can include using RFID, barcode, network scan, or various other hands-free identificationprocesses. For example, mobile device 632 can include an energymanagement application that can include an installation or set-up thatincludes reading a bar code label of controller 626, TSTAT 628, variousother network devices, or any combination thereof. For example, a usercan scan a barcode that can include a unique identifier of controller626, TSTAT 628, or any combinations thereof. According to an aspect, abar code label can be affixed to a portion of a housing (not expresslyillustrated in FIG. 6). In other forms, a bar code can be accessed usinga display, such as a display of TSAT 626 or other network devices orsystems that can display one or more bar codes (e.g. outputting multipleat a single system, network device, installation sheet or stickers,etc.). Upon a user scanning a bar code label, the installation processcan use a network connection, such as WIFI or other wireless datanetworks to communicate unique data and authenticate a system. Anserver, such as server 602 can authenticate the data and activate auser's account. According to an aspect, a user can also set a locationusing a current GPS location of mobile device 632 at site 604. In thismanner, and installation process that can include authenticating oractivating software on a mobile device, a home controller, a networkdevice, and a server account can be coordinated in an efficient mannerthereby reducing the need to have an installation technician or otherthird party activate an account. Various combinations of associatingdevices, systems, controllers, mobile devices, etc. can be used toactivate portions or all of an energy network using hands-free RF,optical scanning devices, or any combination thereof. According to afurther aspect, an installation can be modified to allow a third partytechnician install a system and can include scanning one or more barcodes that may be affixed to a network device, controller, etc. In otherforms, a third party technician can scan bar code labels or otherdevices and affix the labels to a device, controller, system, etc. inassociation with an installation. As such, inventory management can alsobe maintained in association with installing a controller, networkdevice, system, etc.

According to an aspect, an installation of a device to a network, suchas a home or commercial network can occur through provisioning with nearfield communication (NFC). In accordance with an aspect, theprovisioning occurs automatically in that the information required tojoin a device to a network is obtained automatically without userinteraction. The standards and protocols for NFC include ISO/IEC 18092,which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. FIG. 17 illustratesone aspect of an auto-provisioning system with NFC 1700 where a gateway1702 communicates directly with a network device 1704 to add the networkdevice 1704 to the network. In accordance with an aspect, the gateway1702 could be a thermostat, a light switch, a remote speaker, or anyother suitable device that includes an RFID chip (reader) embeddedtherein. In accordance with another aspect, the gateway can be anystandalone device or can be embedded in any standalone device to allowthat device to provide a gateway function. An exemplary RFID chip thatcan be employed is a 24 LR series MCU chip available fromSTMicroelectronics. In accordance with another aspect, the gateway 1702could also include a variety of other types of communication chips,including a Z wave chip, a Zigbee chip, a WiFi chip, a power-line chipor other suitable communication chips depending upon the type ofnetwork. Similarly, the network device 1704 can also include a chip,such as a passive NFC chip, an RFID tag, a barcode or other suitablemechanism, which stores specific information thereon about the networkdevice 1704, which allows it to be identified, such as by the gateway1702 so that that network device 1704 can be authenticated and thenjoined to the network. The specific information can include a deviceidentification (ID) as well as information regarding what the device isand how to communicate with it. For example, an RFID tag could identifythe network device 1704 as a ZigBee based thermostat or a WiFi device,which would inform the gateway 1702 as to how to communicate with thedevice 1704.

According to an aspect, the gateway 1702 can serve as the reader toassist in provisioning the network device 1704 to the network. To addthe network device 1704 to the network, it can be brought into closeproximity with the gateway 1702 to allow the necessary information aboutthe network device 1704 to be obtained As discussed above, theinformation about the network device 1704 can be provided by an NFCchip, an RFID tag, a barcode or a variety of other suitable mechanismassociated with the network device 1702. In accordance with an aspect,the gateway 1702 gathers information about the network device 1704 tofirst determine whether enough information is present to allow thenetwork device 1704 to be joined to the network. If the network device1704 has enough information embedded thereon and it can beauthenticated, the gateway 1702 can add the network device 1704 to thenetwork. If, however, the network device 1704 does not have sufficientinformation to allow it to be recognized by the gateway 1702, accordingto an aspect, the gateway 1702 can automatically contact a cloud server1706 to receive additional information from the cloud server 1706 withregard to the necessary information of the network device 1704 to thenjoin it to the network. For example if the RFID tag only contains thedevice ID, but not other information about the network device 1704, suchas how to communicate with the network device 1704, the cloud server1706 can use the RFID tag associated with the network device 1704 togather information, such as from the website of the manufacturer of thenetwork device 1704 for the gateway 1702 to allow it to verify and jointhe network device 1704 to the network.

In another aspect, the network device 1704 can include an indicator,such as a light, alarm or the like, to provide an indication with regardto whether the network device 1704 has been joined to the network. Thegateway 1702 thus serves as a bridging device to allow for the seamlessintegration of devices into a network, whether the network is wirelessor wired. According to an aspect, the auto-provisioning system 1700 canbe utilized with a variety of different networks, including home,residential, or commercial.

FIG. 18 illustrates an auto-provisioning system with NFC 1800 accordingto another aspect. As shown in FIG. 18, a network device 1802, which isto be added to a network, communicates directly with a mobileapplication 1804 on a mobile device 1806, such as a mobile phone,associated with the network. In accordance with an aspect, the mobiledevice 1806 can include an RFID chip, such as an MCU, as discussedabove, with reader capabilities. The mobile device 1806 can also includeone or more communication chips, as discussed above. Similarly, thenetwork device 1802 can also include a chip such as a passive NFC chip,an RFID tag, a bar code, or other suitable mechanism which storesspecific information thereon about the network device 1802, such asdiscussed above, which allows the network device 1802 to be identifiedby the mobile application 1804 so that it can be authenticated and thenjoined to the network.

To add the network device 1802 to the network, the mobile device 1806can be brought into close proximity with the network device 1802 suchthat its information can be read or otherwise determined by the mobileapplication 1804. As discussed above, the information about the networkdevice 1802 can be provided by an NFC chip, an RFID tag, a barcode or avariety of other suitable mechanism associated with the network device1802. According to an aspect, the mobile application 1804 gathersinformation about the network device 1802 to determine whether enoughinformation is present thereon to allow the network device 1802 to bejoined to the network by the mobile device 1806. If the network device1802 has enough information embedded thereon and it can beauthenticated, the mobile device 1806 can join the network device 1802to the network. If, however, the network device 1802 does not havesufficient information to join it to the network, according to anaspect, the mobile device 1806 can contact a cloud server through themobile application 1804 to receive additional information from the cloudserver with regard to the necessary information about the network device1802 to then join it to the network, as discussed above.

In an aspect, the network device 1802 can include an indicator, such asa light, alarm, or the like, to provide an indication with regard towhether the network device 1802 has been joined to the network. Inaccordance with this aspect, the mobile device 1806 with its mobileapplication 1804 serves as a bridging device to allow for the seamlessintegration of devices into a network, whether the network is wirelessor wired. The auto-provisioning system 1800 can be utilized with avariety of different networks, including home, residential, orcommercial.

FIG. 19 illustrates another auto-provisioning system with NFC 1900according to yet another aspect. As shown in FIG. 19, a gateway 1902 isto be added to the network. According to an aspect, this can occur uponthe first installation of the gateway 1902 or when the gateway 1902 hasgone offline from the network and needs to be rejoined. In accordancewith an aspect, the gateway 1902 includes a passive chip, such as an NFCchip, an RFID tag, a barcode or other suitable mechanism, which storesspecific information, such as is discussed above, about the gateway1902, which allows it to be identified by a mobile device 1906. Thegateway 1902 can also include an RFID reader, such as an MCU chip, asdiscussed above, and, in accordance with one aspect, the gateway 1902can become a reader after it has joined the network. According toanother aspect, the gateway 1902 can be instructed, such as by themobile device 1906, to serve as a reader by employing the RFID reader toprovide provisioning functions.

In accordance with an aspect, the gateway 1902 is provisioned to thenetwork by a mobile application 1904 on the mobile device 1906, which isassociated with the network. To add the gateway 1902 to the network, themobile device 1906 can be brought into close proximity with the gateway1902 such that its information can be read or otherwise determined bythe mobile application 1904. According to an aspect, the mobile device1906 can include an RFID chip therein, such as an MCU chip, as discussedabove. According to another aspect, the mobile application 1904 cangather information about the gateway 1902 to determine whether enoughinformation is present thereon to allow the gateway 1902 to be joined tothe network by the mobile device 1906. According to still anotheraspect, if the gateway 1902 does not have sufficient information for themobile device 1906 to authenticate it and join it to the network, themobile device 1906 can contact a cloud server using the mobileapplication 1904 to receive additional information from the cloud serverwith regard to the necessary information about the gateway 1902 to thenjoin it to the network, as is discussed above.

According to an aspect, the gateway 1902 can include an indicator, suchas a light, alarm, or the like to provide an indication with regard towhether the gateway 1902 has joined the network. In accordance with thisaspect, the mobile device 1906 with its mobile application 1904 servesas a bridging device to allow for the seamless integration of devicesinto a network, whether the network is wireless or wired. Theauto-provisioning system 1900 can be utilized with a variety ofdifferent networks, including home, residential, or commercial.

FIG. 20 illustrates a further aspect of an auto-provisioning system withNFC 2000 where a cloud server 2002 serves as an intermediary between agateway 2004 and a mobile device 2008. In accordance with an aspect, thegateway 2004 includes a passive chip, such as an NFC chip, an RFID tag,a barcode or other suitable mechanism, which stores specificinformation, such as is discussed above, about the gateway 2004, whichallows it to be identified by a mobile application 2006 on the mobiledevice 2008. The gateway 2004 can also include an RFID reader, such asan MCU chip, as discussed above, and, in accordance with one aspect, thegateway 2004 can become a reader after it has joined the network.According to another aspect, the gateway 2004 can be instructed, such asby the mobile device 2008, to serve as a reader by employing the RFIDreader to provide provisioning functions.

According to a further aspect, the gateway 2004 can have informationstored thereon about itself or about other devices that the gateway 2004has provisioned to the network. In accordance with an aspect, thegateway 2004 can upload to the cloud server 2002 the information aboutitself and/or information about the other devices that have joined orbeen provisioned to the network. In accordance with another aspect, themobile application 2006 can contact the cloud server 2002 to downloadthis information so that the mobile device 2008 has all the informationabout the gateway 2004 and/or all the other devices that the gateway2004 has provisioned to the network. In accordance with an aspect, themobile application 2008 could initiate contact with the cloud server2002 to obtain this information. According to another aspect, the cloudsever 2002 could make contact with the mobile application 2006 to alertthe mobile device 2008 that this information is available on the cloudserver 2002 for download. According to still a further aspect, thegateway 2004 could alert the mobile device 2008 that this information isavailable on the cloud server 2002 for download by the mobileapplication 2006.

FIG. 21 illustrates still another aspect of an auto-provisioning systemwith NFC 2100 where a gateway 2102 communicates directly with a mobileapplication 2104 of a mobile device 2106. In accordance with an aspect,the gateway 2102 could be a thermostat or other suitable device that hasan RFID chip embedded therein. An exemplary chip that can be employed isa 24 LR series MCU chip available from STMicroelectronics. In accordancewith another aspect, the gateway 2102 could also include a variety ofdifferent types of communication chips, including a Z wave chip, aZigbee chip, a WiFi chip, a power-line chip or other suitablecommunication chips depending upon the type of network being used.Similarly, the mobile device 2106 can also include a chip, such as apassive NFC chip, an RFID tag, a barcode or other suitable mechanism,which stores specific information thereon, such as is discussed above,about the mobile device 2106, which allows it to be identified by thegateway 2102, such that it can be authenticated or joined to thenetwork.

According to a further aspect, the gateway 2102 can serve as a reader toassist in provisioning the mobile device 2106 to the network. To add themobile device 2106 to the network, the mobile device 2106 can be broughtinto close proximity with the gateway 2102 such that its information canbe read or otherwise determined by the gateway 2102. As discussed above,information about the mobile device 2106 can be provided by an NFC chip,an RFID tag, a barcode or a variety of other suitable mechanismsassociated with the mobile device 2106. In accordance with an aspect,the gateway 2102 gathers information about the mobile device 2106 todetermine whether enough information is present thereon to allow themobile device 2106 to be joined to the network by the gateway 2102. Ifthe mobile device 2106 has enough information embedded thereon, thegateway 2102 can add the mobile device 2106 to the network. If, however,the mobile device 2106 does not have sufficient information to allow itto be recognized by the gateway 2102, according to an aspect, thegateway 2102 can contact a cloud server to receive additionalinformation from the cloud server with regard to the necessaryinformation of the mobile device 2106 to then join it to the network. Inanother aspect, the mobile device 2106 can include an indicator, such asa light, alarm, or the like, to provide an indication with regard towhether the mobile device 2106 has been joined to the network, asdiscussed above.

In accordance with this aspect, the gateway 2102 serves as a bridgingdevice to allow for the seamless integration of devices into a network,whether the network is wireless or wired. The auto-provisioning system2100 can be utilized with a variety of different networks, includinghome, residential, or commercial.

FIG. 22 illustrates still another aspect of an auto-provisioning systemwith NFC 2200 where a cloud server 2206 serves as an intermediarybetween a mobile device 2202 and a gateway 2204. In accordance with anaspect, the mobile device 2202 can include a passive chip, such as anNFC chip, an RFID tag, a barcode or other suitable mechanism, whichstores specific information, such as is discussed above, about themobile device 2202, which allows it to be identified by the gateway2204. The mobile device 2202 can also include an RFID reader, such as anMCU chip, as discussed above, and, in accordance with one aspect, thatallows it to serve as a reader. According to another aspect, the mobiledevice 2202 can be instructed, such as by the gateway 2204, to serve asa reader by employing the RFID reader to provide provisioning functionsor it can perform this function once it has joined the network.

According to a further aspect, the mobile device 2202 can haveinformation stored thereon about itself or about other devices that themobile device 2202 has provisioned to the network. In accordance with anaspect, mobile device 2202 can upload the information about itselfand/or information about the other devices that have joined or beenprovisioned to the network to the cloud server 2206. In accordance withanother aspect, the gateway 2204 can contact the cloud server 2206 todownload this information so that the gateway 2204 has all theinformation about the mobile device 2202 and/or all the other devicesthat the mobile device 2202 has provisioned to the network. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the gateway 2204 could initiate contactwith the cloud server 2206 to obtain this information. According toanother aspect, the cloud sever 2206 could make contact with gateway2204 to alert the gateway 2204 that this information is available on thecloud server 2206 for download.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described hereinare intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of thevarious embodiments. The specification and illustrations are notintended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of allof the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use thestructures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure.Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such thata structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change maybe made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly,the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive.

Certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any sub combination. Further, reference to valuesstated in ranges includes each and every value within that range.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover any andall such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fallwithin the scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extentallowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determinedby the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims andtheir equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by theforegoing detailed description.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of theembodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

1. A method of provisioning a device to a network, comprising: providinga first device associated with a network, said first device including anRFID reader associated therewith; providing a second device, including adevice identifier associated therewith, that contains information aboutsaid second device; reading said device identifier of said second devicewith said RFID reader to receive the second device information at saidfirst device; joining said second device to said network using saidfirst device and said second device information.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising: establishing communication between said firstdevice and a cloud server to receive additional information about saidsecond device before joining said second device to said network.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said device identifier includes at least onedevice identification and communication information of said seconddevice.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: establishingcommunication between said first device and said cloud server in theabsence of communication of said second device; and receiving thecommunication information of the second device from the cloud server atthe first device
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:configuring said first device as a gateway.
 6. The method of claim 5,further comprising: configuring said second device as a network device.7. The method of claim 5, further comprising: configuring said seconddevice as a mobile device.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:configuring said first device as a mobile device.
 9. The method of claim8, further comprising: configuring said second device as a gateway. 10.The method of claim 8, further comprising: configuring said seconddevice as a network device.
 11. A provisioning system for a network,comprising: a first device associated with a site and including an RFIDreader associated therewith; a second device including a deviceidentifier to provide information about said second device; said RFIDreader configured to read said device identifier to obtain said seconddevice information; said first device configured to join said seconddevice to said to the network using said second device information. 12.The system of claim 11, wherein said first device is a gateway.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein said second device is a network device. 14.The system of claim 12, wherein said second device is a mobile device.15. The system of claim 11, wherein said first device is a mobiledevice.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein said second device is agateway.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein said second device is anetwork device.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein said first device isconfigured to establish communication with a cloud server to receiveadditional information about said second device to assist in joiningsaid second device to the network.
 19. The system of claim 11, whereinsaid device identifier includes at least one of device identificationand communication information of said second device.
 20. The system ofclaim 11, wherein said first device is configured to establishcommunication with a cloud server in the absence of communicationinformation of said second device and receive the communicationinformation of the second device from the cloud server.